subject: Why Pay For A Gym Membership When You Can Work-out Outdoors? [print this page] In my opinion, nothing is more monotonous than running on a treadmill. Though working out indoors can be equally as effective, it often leads to a lack of motivation. Doing repetitive motions in a humid room filled with sweaty people is not exactly inspiring. In addition, most of the machines offered in gyms are performed via isolated movements. Isolated movements require the work of only one specific muscle while the rest of your muscles remain unused. Not only can this result in an unbalanced body, time is not being used efficiently. Bodyweight workouts on the other hand require compound movements; multiple muscles are put to work. Furthermore, fresh air and hints of nature can be quite encouraging. The bottom line is, working out outdoors not only saves you money, but can also be a more enjoyable, challenging and motivating experience.
Bodyweight Squats are my personal favorite exercise. Unfortunately, working out your legs is often overlooked, and thus the benefits of squats are not taken advantage of. This compound movement not only strengthens your legs and butt, but also the tendon around your knees, and your core. In addition hip flexibility and mobility are improved and with a lot of repetitions your cardio capacity will significantly increase. Bodyweight squats also burn the most calories. What many people do not know however is that bodyweight squats releases growth hormones that stimulate the building of all the muscles in your body. This is because your body is put into a miniature state of trauma since this movement utilizes so many muscles. To perform the bodyweight squat you simply stand up with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart. With your butt out and back straight, squat down till you are parallel to the ground or as deep as you can; it may help to look up towards the sky. In order to maintain balance, you might want to raise your arms in front of you to shoulder level. Once you can retain good form, you should do as many repetitions as you can as fast as you can.
Pull-ups are definitely my second favorite exercise. Another compound movement, this exercise targets mainly your back and biceps but also utilizes your forearms, triceps, shoulders, neck, chest and your core. Pull-ups are arguably the best upper-body workout. In order to perform a pull-up you need a steady bar capable of holding your body weight; this can usually be found at playgrounds. With a firm overhand grip and your hands separated by a distance a little past shoulder width, allow your body to hang from the bar. Then simply pull yourself upward till your chin is over the bar. If this movement is too difficult at first, you should try to use negative movements to increase your strength. Simply jump to the final position and lower yourself down as slow as you can while using your muscles to stabilize yourself.
Push-ups are the last essential compound exercise. Your chest and triceps are the main targets for this exercise but again, forearms; biceps, shoulders and your core are all utilized. In order to perform a pushup, lie chest down with your hands by your side at shoulder level. Your palms should be flat on the floor and your legs and feet should be parallel and together. Then with your toes folded under you feet, straighten your arms as you push yourself up off the floor. Meanwhile, tighten your core and keep your body straight; you should exhale as your arms straighten out. However do not lock your elbows in order to keep the tension and more importantly, to avoid injury. Next, simply lower your body slowly towards the floor and try to go as deep as you can without your knees touching the floor. Inhale as you bend your arms. Doing as many repetitions as you can without sacrificing forms will create a muscular upper body.
As mentioned, working out outside is great. However as summer ends and winter slowly settles it, it can get quite cold. Wearing layers of clothing to keep warm can be quite uncomfortable. Bulky clothing can be heavy and inefficient. As a result, I recommend using Under Armour Coldgear. Not only does it keep you extremely warm, it is extremely light and comfortable. I personally own a fleece and a couple longsleeve crews, and they are great. If you choose to order online, new customers receive free shipping with no minimum charge. In addition, Under Armour coupons
