Bodyweight Exercise

Are you nature deprived? Yes, you are, according to research that shows obesity, depression, health and fitness can be improved simply by spending more time outdoors.

Outdoor fitness means using nature as our gym. Natural surroundings can motivate us to move more, workout harder and exercise longer. It's also more challenging and more natural to the body. When you workout in a gym – on a machine or treadmill, every movement is exactly the same. Your body is smart and gets used to the repetitive motions, so it goes on autopilot, which means your muscles and cardiovascular system don't work as hard because they've learned how to be overly efficient.

Training outdoors is different. Every day and every place you train is different. Finding your footing on grass, trails, sand, rocks or other uneven terrain activates more muscle fibers for stability –...