Being confined in a gym may work for some people. Others prefer to include the beauty of nature while getting in a solid sweat session. Thanks to the advancement of technology, we are able to do most sports indoors.
However, we should not neglect the benefits of the outdoors. Fresh air and natural light invigorate and provide more energy for the mind and body.
In addition, outdoor sports lets you do more tasks and in the process, your body gets to work on a lot of muscles. We listed out the best outdoor sports you must try in 2021.
7 Best Outdoor Sports You Must Try in 2024
Hiking
Hiking is a great way for you and your family or friends to get out into the outdoors and escape to mother nature.
These long energetic walks on hiking trails in a natural environment are fun and it allows you to reconnect with nature. Hikes are not necessarily long. Some trails can take you a short time to complete whereas some can be an overnight hiking experience.
Before you head out hiking, it would be wise to be prepared. You would not want to jeopardize your chances to have an enjoyable hike.
Learn how to pack your pack for a hike beforehand. Besides the fun and pleasure hiking offers, there are numerous health and mental benefits to hiking.
- Improves your blood pressure
- Lowers chances of heart disease
- Enhances mood and mental wellbeing
- Builds core strength and lower body muscles
- Builds endurance
Regular hikes will improve your health and quality of life. Get away from the stress of everyday life and escape to the outdoors! Take your friends and family with you too.
Related Reading: Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet for Men & Women
Paintball
One of the most exciting sports to do with friends or family. It is exhilarating taking cover from fire and shooting others with paint pellets.
The adrenaline is intoxicating. More often than not, paintball players are having too much fun to realize how much exercise their bodies are getting throughout their rounds.
It works your legs as you evade your opponents by running, crouching and crawling constantly.
Holding your paintball gun throughout the round as well as aiming at your targets workouts your arm muscles. Here are the benefits of paintball:
- Full body workout
- Improves endurance
- Major Stress Relief
- Promotes Teamwork
- Heart: adrenaline levels high and gets your pump working at max speed
Golf
A typical 18-hole round of golf takes approximately 4 hours to complete. While playing golf you are surrounded by nature and the average distance of an 18 round golf course is 7200 yards.
Besides swinging your golf club or walking the golf course, it allows golfers to socialize with each other throughout their round.
Besides being a great sport you could play to bond with your family members or friends, it also offers multiple health benefits.
- Reduced heart risks
- Burn calories
- Work major muscles in the body
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Stimulates the brain
Being able to socialize with your buddies on the course is also a major plus. Helps take your mind off a stressful day or week that you had.
There is a notion that golf is an expensive sport, but it really is not. Get started with golf with some of these tips! If you are struggling with your golf swing, you can work on them at the driving range.
Related Reading: Best Disc Golf Shoes
Cycling
Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor sports because it is fun! People usually start out on training wheels as kids. It then turns into a means of getting places be it work or school.
Just get a bicycle and you can ride anywhere to get a workout in! Whether it is on pavements along the streets or on bike trails, you can still get a good cycling session in.
You can burn as much as 400 calories while riding fast or 200 calories on a slower pace per hour. Benefits to cycling include:
- An increase in lower body strength
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Better balance and coordination
Therefore, if you are regularly cycling to school or work, you are doing your body a lot of good.
Basketball
Basketball is such an accessible sport. Most parks have a basketball court where you could just hop on with a ball and get that workout in. Whether you are alone or with friends you can have a great hoop session!
In addition to it being accessible, it is also free if you already have a ball! What better way to get a workout in without spending too much cash.
You might even meet new people playing basketball at public courts. There are various benefits to playing basketball such as:
- Improves muscular endurance
- Develops fundamental movement skills
- Boosts heart health
- Develops self-confidence
- Reduces stress
- Encourages team spirit
- Develops communication skills
Related Reading: Best Basketball Shoes
Fishing
Fishing is a great outdoor sport as you get to go out in the ocean or lakes. It can be quite beneficial for your health.
However if you are the type of person that sits around with a beer cooler while waiting for your fishing lure to catch a fish, you might be gaining more calories from the beer than losing calories. Nonetheless, if that makes you happy do it!
In contrast, if you constantly paddle around to search for fishing spots, this allows you to burn calories.
Furthermore, the thrilling battle to reel a fish in from the water also helps build strength and burn calories. Benefits of fishing also include:
- Developing patience
- Relaxation
- Reducing stress
Running
A staple in any workout regime. Running or jogging is one of the easiest sports to get into is running and it also contains countless benefits to your body.
The only major piece of equipment you need is a good pair of running shoes. Being able to run in something comfortable and versatile allows for a smooth run so be sure to choose the right running shoes.
Remember that stretching is vital to avoid pulling a muscle. Stretches should be done before a run and after a run. Here are the health benefits of running:
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Burn calories and maintain a healthy weight
Another great thing about running is that you can run whenever you want and wherever you want. The only thing that can stop you is yourself or the weather.
It might not be ideal to run in the rain to avoid any chances for injury. If you are new to running, here are some running tips for beginners.
Related Reading: Best Walking Shoes
Summary
As you can see, outdoor sports are fun and provide immense health benefits. Try each of them to find out which you would love to keep doing.
Some of these sports can be done indoors like running on a treadmill or playing golf with a simulator but do not forget that all of them started outdoors and are meant to be played outdoors for the best experience.
Related Articles