Dos + Don’ts for Working Out in the Great Outdoors

Massachusetts has officially lifted the outdoor mask mandate, the weather is warming up; it’s the perfect time to workout outside!  Whether you’re going freestyle or doing a group class, taking your workout outside is a leetle different than your living room or the gym.  But don’t worry, I’ve got all the dos and don’ts you need to know to crush it!

Don’t drop your guard.  I hate to be a bummer, but we live in the real world, and we need to be vigilant when we workout outside alone, especially us women.  Keep your workouts to well-lit, heavily traveled areas, avoid times there are less people out and about (like super early morning, late at night).  Don’t have your earbuds so loud you can’t hear what’s going on around you (I use THESE because the go above my ears and let me stay aware of my surroundings).  Keep your head on a swivel!  And maybe think about getting a workout partner.

Do think about the weather.  Welcome to New England, where you can experience all four seasons in one day! I know we all work up a sweat working out, but I recommend adding an extra layer.  A lightweight, moisture-wicking long sleeve tee can be easily removed (and tied around your waist if needed) when you’re really sweating, and thrown on if the temperature dips, a wind gusts blows through, or you just have a little post workout chill.

Don’t run in the middle of the street.  You are not Kelly Bensimon, get out of the street.

Do protect yourself. I know you know this, but I also know you’re not as consistent as you should be, so I’m going to say it; use SPF.  Any piece of skin that’s going to be exposed to the light of day, slather it in SPF.  Don’t forget the tops of your ears and your part!  And speaking of protecting yourself from the sun, bring your sunglasses.

Don’t use the playground equipment.  I don’t care what you saw on that mommy blogger/fitspo/influencer Instagram account, the public park jungle gym is for kids.  If there are any kids even sniffing around, you can’t do your pull-ups on the monkey bars or your Bulgarian split squats on the swing set. Move it along.

Do stay hydrated.  When I take an outdoor class, I bring double the water because you never know how that sun is going to hit.

Don’t get discouraged.  Working out outside is hard!  I think it’s harder than working out indoors!  I get out of breath a lot quicker, especially if it’s a little chilly.  Don’t get discouraged if you get fatigued quickly, stick with it.

Want to try an outdoor workout?  Check out our roundup of outdoor classes HERE!