Easy backyard workout for the summer

With warm summer weather, let’s get out of the hot and stuffy gym and into the fresh air in your own backyard. Soak up Vitamin D with an easy outdoor workout, whether you have home gym equipment or not! 

How to set up your backyard for a workout

If you have a concrete deck or stone tiles, it may be uncomfortable to do some floor work exercises or go barefoot with added weight so we suggest bringing out an exercise or a yoga mat. But, with the right shoes, you can totally do squats, lunges, or skip rope outside with no mat necessary! The same goes for weight lifting. A mat may be helpful for heavier weights that you need to drop on the ground so you don’t damage your deck, whether it’s wood or stone. 

Start thinking about what kind of exercises you want to do in your yard and prepare ahead of time by bringing out a few dumbbells, plates, or your bar. Don’t leave the weights outside as the morning dew and rain could make the metals rusty. If you are committed, you can set up a bin outside to store your gear in.

Backyard workout exercises

Of course, your backyard workout will depend on what you’re currently working towards, but there are some universal exercises that you can pick and choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

• Warm-up by running a few blocks in your neighborhood

• Warm-up by skipping rope

• Pilates & yoga stretch session before the workout 

• Burpees, sit-ups, and push-ups for the main workout 

• Core work including exercises that can be done on the floor like crunches

• Add weights! Bring out your bar and plates and do some squats

• Bring out your dumbbells and free weights and do lunges around the yard, or a full arm workout

• Find a playground in your area to do pull-ups and core work like leg raises

Backyard workout benefits

The beauty of working out in your own backyard is not only getting the exercise in:

• With the warm temperatures, your muscles will actually relax and warm up more, allowing a deeper workout. Think of it like a hot yoga class — the extra sweat and heat do wonders!

• You are home! No need to travel to the gym or pack a bag. Grab a shower at home right after your workout and all your snacks will be waiting for you too. Working out at home is a huge time saver.

• If you work out in the morning, benefit from the fresh cool air, and get the body moving before work. 

No gym, no excuse — your backyard is the perfect playground to get the blood flowing and the energy going! Equipment or not, get out there and do even a 15-minute workout. Spending time outside will feel great and you don’t even need to leave your house.