Now that warmer weather is FINALLY here, it’s time to break your boring indoor gym routine and start going outside for that sweet spring sunshine!

There are tons of well known health benefits of engaging in outdoor exercise, and taking advantage of nature’s gym will also boost your mental health, improve your sleep and enhance your vitamin D intake!

A lot of outdoor activities can be fun for the whole family too, which means your kids will get to join in on the fun, and get a better night’s sleep!

Whether you’re walking the dog, playing soccer with the kids or jogging solo – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many calories you burn while enjoying the outdoors!

According to My Fitness Pal, here’s how many calories you can burn while doing some of your favourite outdoor activities:

Hiking: approx. 350 calories per hour

Walking: approx. 200 calories per hour

Soccer: approx. 475 calories per hour

Skipping: approx. 500 calories per hour

Jogging: approx. 400 calories per hour

Frisbee: approx. 200 calories per hour

Biking: approx. 550 calories per hour

Gardening: approx. 250 calories per hour

Golf: approx. 300 calories per hour

Like any new exercise routine, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workout.  Pushing yourself too hard at the beginning could lead to soreness and muscle aches and discourage you from sticking with your routine.

Here are a few tips to help get into a regime that sticks:

  • Come up with a realistic plan on paper so you are more motivated to continue – look at your schedule and see when you’re able to squeeze in a 20-minute walk, or a game of Frisbee with the kids!
  • Track your progress – you can do this the old-fashioned way by writing it down in an exercise log, or downloading an app on your phone that will track your workouts, and calculate the calories burned
  • Invite a friend to join you or choose activities you can do with your family – whether you’re chatting with a buddy or teaching your kids how to ride a bike, a good workout never feels like a chore when you’re doing it with people you love!

This spring, skip the gym and turn exercise time into family time!