While the majority of individuals are likely to have an interest in maintaining or improving their physical fitness, fewer are likely to enjoy the process of going to the gym. While these environments remain both popular and effective, they require a committed spend and can often feel more akin to a chore than a positive experience.

Thankfully, however, and for those who want to combine their exercise with a sense of adventure or socialisation, there are a number of activities that can help to keep individuals and groups in shape without the need to commit to ongoing fees or practice regimes in gym environments. Instead, activities can be enjoyed outside and among nature.

Climbing

A high-impact and demanding activity, one that also requires comfort with heights, climbing continues to grow in popularity, with regulars celebrating the benefits the activity brings to physical strength, stamina, and mental health, with a significant part of the activity being centred around problem-solving.

Climbing has also been demonstrated to improve bone strength too, helping climbers to develop every part of their physical body and confidence.

Swimming

The health benefits of wild swimming are extensive, from the release of stress even an hour a week in the water can achieve to the improvement of an immune system when practising cold water swimming. Physically, however, swimming is an exceptional choice for those wanting to get into shape because it is a low-impact workout, meaning that it can be practised regularly and by those of all initial physical abilities.

Swimming can also be a wonderful opportunity to be socially active too, with a number of dedicated swimming groups appearing by bodies of water across the country.

Cycling

One of the most brilliant qualities of cycling is that it can easily be made a part of a daily routine. Commutes, shopping trips, and any short trip can potentially become an opportunity to travel in an eco-friendly way that also promotes fitness.

Cycling can also be taken off-road, with many enjoying mountain biking and trail riding. The sense of adventure can be immediately appealing but it is the long-term health benefits that will secure cycling as a hobby for those who want to keep fit and healthy.

Kayaking

Being able to traverse bodies of water opens up a number of opportunities, including the accessibility of secluded beaches and hidden coves. Kayaking is a fantastic way to enable such adventure while also being a great workout. 

Upperbody strength and dexterity are required, as are core strength and balance, all of which will be developed as you explore lakes and shores.

Yoga

Developing fitness isn’t always about building muscle. For many, it is about improving flexibility, stamina, and even lowering blood pressure. Yoga has risen in popularity because of its effectiveness in such areas, helping to improve the well-being of millions of individuals. 

Yoga can not only be practised at home but even more effectively outdoors, with many groups hosting yoga sessions at the park or even further afield.