Camping for many people is an avenue to unwind, relax, and experience the wonders of nature. One could even call it the perfect vacation plan. While on such a trip, there’s a high chance that exercise is the last thing on a person’s mind.
However, going camping doesn’t mean that you should toss your fitness routines aside. After all, while enjoying those yummy smores, you must have your routines on lock in order to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
If you are a fitness enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors, you might wonder, “How do I workout in the middle of nowhere?” Well, fret not! Certain camping activities offer great fitness benefits.
In this article, we will walk you through some camping activities that double as fitness workouts. Let’s uncover them, shall we?
Hiking
Hiking is essentially just walking at your own pace. Many research findings show that hiking can serve as an excellent way to lose those extra pounds and improve overall health. The simple act of walking is something that our bodies are designed to do by default. It requires no extra equipment but keeps you fit and maintains your body in good working condition.
Many campgrounds are surrounded by beautiful nature trails. Before embarking on a camp trip, conduct your research to find trails around the area. Also, figure out the distance you’d want to walk daily based on your ability and fitness goals.
Running
Running is perhaps one of the best cardio workouts you can get while camping. All campgrounds have acres of accessible roads for running. If you are camping on a smaller site, you may have to run around several times to get the maximum workout.
Hitting the trails on a run provides a lot of benefits. It can help to improve your cardiovascular fitness, prevent unnecessary weight gain, and build your muscles.
Swimming
Some campsites offer pool facilities. If yours doesn’t, there’s probably a river or lake somewhere around. If you’re lucky to be close to a clean body of water, by all means, head out for a refreshing dip. Swimming is not only great for showering off those icky sweats after a run or jog. It’s also a good way to score a cardio workout by getting your heart pumping.
So while preparing for your next camping trip, don’t forget to pack along some swim gear!
Biking
This is a great avenue to keep your muscles moving while enjoying the beautiful sights of Mother Nature. You can choose to bring your bike or rent one at the campground. Some places offer bike rentals at a reasonable price.
Aside from being a fun group activity, it is an excellent cardio workout and a nice alternative to running or walking.
Rock Climbing
Are you up for a real, daredevil adventure? Rock climbing is the perfect activity for you! It gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while enjoying scenic views. It’s also a strength-based workout that helps to strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.
There are lots of rocks and mountains around camping areas that one can choose from to have an amazing adventure. Simply research the destination and climbing routes, then make a choice based on your skills and experience.
Rock climbing while camping requires proper gear and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, having the right gear can make all the difference. Ensure that you have on your climbing shoes, helmet, climbing harness, rope, and carabiners to ensure a smooth journey.
Canoeing, Paddleboarding, or Kayaking
Swimming isn’t the only physical activity to carry out in a river or lake. You can engage your upper body, especially your arms in a nice workout by paddling while navigating the serene waters. Conduct checks to see if your campsite offers row or paddle boats for rentals.
You can also consider investing in an inflatable stand-up paddleboard or kayak. These are easy to transport and also a great source of outdoor fun and group entertainment.
Outdoor Games
Camping offers a fantastic opportunity to bond with family and friends. Make the most of it by playing some outdoor games together. These serve as excellent means to workout. Try volleyball, badminton, tossing a football around, or throwing frisbee.
Most camping locations will have lots of open spaces that’s just right for these kinds of activities.
Yoga or Stretching
Being so close to nature already puts you in a relaxing mood. How do you then take it up a notch? Simple stretching activities can help to improve flexibility and relieve tension. It will also add to the unwinding experience that a camping trip can give.
Practicing yoga is also a great way to go. A quiet moment alone doing some poses while inhaling the pure natural air can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Weight Lifting
While camping, you might not have your dumbbells or barbells around, and that’s okay. You can still carry out your strength training exercises. Just get creative. Look around for items that can be transformed into a workout aid. For instance, you can use old milk containers as weights. Fill the gallon containers with water to the weight you choose, and there you have it! Your DIY weight lift equipment.
Another option is to put some heavy items in your backpack and hit the trail on those walks. Don’t overdo it though. Just make sure you are carrying a bit of extra weight to challenge yourself.
Strength training exercise does wonders for your muscles. It helps to build strength and improve your overall muscle tone. You can also boost your progress by incorporating supplements for muscle growth into your routine.
Summary
On the whole, camping is a time for relaxing and catching a break. It’s also easy to get your steps in and work up a sweat over there Whether it’s hiking, running, swimming, biking, or rock climbing, you can make the best of your camp experience while staying fit.
Just make sure you research the area to know what resources are available for you and have a memorable one. Now, who’s up for some fun outdoor activity?
