Health
Both indoors and out, there’s so many exercises for you to choose from to get fit. But just how does each one make you fit and healthy?
Make the most of the weather and take your workouts outdoors!
1. Hiking
It’s easy to forget that something as simple as walking can have amazing benefits.
With every step along your hike, you’ll be engaging and strengthening the major muscle groups including the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles.
Hiking also helps to strengthen the core and back muscles, too, especially when hiking on rough terrain or a steep incline.
So if you’re looking to improve the strength in your legs, take to your nearest nature reserve for a hike in the great outdoors. Or you could try upping the incline on the treadmill at your local gym.
TOP TIP: Struggling with mobility? Pre-plan your hiking route so you can choose a flat surface with benches along the way, or find accessible pathways, too.
2. Skipping
Often disregarded as a children’s playground game or a warm-up for boxers, skipping with a jump rope is a fantastic exercise for improving your cardiovascular health.
On top of this, skipping is a great strength booster for your leg muscles.
From engaging your calves when pushing off into the first jump, to activating your hamstrings on the descent as you land, each jump brings you closer to stronger legs.
TOP TIP: To reduce strain on your joints, try keeping one foot on the ground at all times, while stepping over the rope with the other foot. This is a fab, lower-intensity alternative to jumping!
3. Swimming
Agreat all-rounder, swimming engages all the major muscle groups at once, providing a full-body work-out.
Although swimming inevitably strengthens your quads and calves with all the kicking leg motions, it’s also a great option for strengthening your arms.
During the pulling and pushing movements, your biceps and triceps are activated.
Swimming is perfect for those with arthritis, too – the water makes it a rhythmic, low-impact exercise which is gentle on the joints.
TOP TIP: Water aerobics are a low-impact alternative to swimming for those with joint pain. Walking or jogging in place will minimise stress on joints – use kickboards and noodles for support.
4. Running
An accessible and free activity, suitable for people of all ages and abilities, running can be a quick and easy exercise to add into your routine, no matter how busy your schedule is.
Of course, the primary drivers when running are your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and the glutes – these muscles all generate the power you will need to propel yourself forwards.
But lesser-known
