PapaSeanski

Torrential rain, monsoons, snow storms, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, it doesn’t matter. I have to exercise outside. Some people think that is foolish. Others think exercising outdoors is not as good as going to a gym. That may be true depending on what you are trying to accomplish, but I love being able to take an ordinary bar and make a gym out of it. A gym is never that far if you are creative enough. Use your imagination and you can turn a children’s jungle gym into a Bowflex. The possibilities are endless.

Do you think the Incredible Hulk has a membership to a gym? No. In every comic Hulk is always outdoors, bending streetlamps, throwing cars, and punching holes through buildings and villains. Hulk got it right. Exercising outside is the way to go. Of course there are pros and cons to working out indoors and outdoors, but as long as you aren’t doing anything and being lazy, exercising is all positive. Here are some reasons why I go outdoors:

1. No mirrors. Go to any gym, and you’ll see everybody spend just as much time or more looking in the mirror as they do actually working out. Sometimes we get too caught up on how we look rather than just striving to feel good. Not only are mirrors a huge distraction, they give you a false sense of accomplishment. After a set or two your muscles get a little pump. Then you look in the mirror, and flex a little. Next thing you know, you are walking out of the gym, because you think you look like Mr. Universe. If you can’t avoid the mirrors, then wear something that will hide your arms. Hopefully that will keep you from just doing a bicep workout.

2. Breath fresh air. We all spend way too much time indoors whether it’s in our cubicle or sitting at home watching TV. Why not enjoy the day and spend some time outside? Sometimes I get tired of breathing the same old, stinky, recycled air. The change of scenery is a welcoming break from the everyday routine of a gym. Being outside helps keep your mental windows open as well. If you aren’t convinced about the outdoors, bring a book or magazine to the park and see if it is easier to read there or in your home. While you are at it, do some pushups every few pages or so.

3. Less waiting time. Unless you are playing on the swings or trying to go down the swirly slide in the sand lot, there is much less wait time outside to work out. There is no waiting for this machine or that machine to get your sets in. Just pick a bar and do your pull-ups, chin-ups, and pushups.

4. More challenging. I shouldn’t say ‘more’ of a challenge, but rather a different kind of challenge. Sometimes I am the only one in the park, just me and the occasional squirrel. You have to be motivated enough to do what you got to do when no one else is looking, when there is no one else to compete against, when there is no one to impress. Outside, the enemy you face most is yourself, especially in the winter. The temperature may drop, but you have to stay disciplined. Someone has to make snow angels right?

5. Meet different people. Exercising outside can open up your social circle tremendously. I have met a wide range people including diplomats from Portugal, directors at ESPN, martial artists, boxers, ex-cons, you name it. Not only do I make new friends, I get to learn the different routines that others follow. People get pretty creative. Just when I think I knew it all, someone busts out a new exercise. By asking nicely, I can have a new work-out partner everyday.

6. Save money. No membership fees. No monthly payments. No renting lockers. No money for transportation to a gym either. Come outside and I will give you a lifetime membership for an unbeatable price of Free.99.

Do you exercise indoors or outdoors? Why? Tell me.