How do we get motivated to train outside?

Gyms have been closed for a year, and summer is coming. Are we going to stay inside?; or get out and get some sun and some vital vitamin D while exercising.

Here are some ideas to help you get motivated to train outside.

Destination Training

Make your run or walk end at a fun cafe, juice place, spa, or even a friend's house.

Having somewhere to go gets you out of the drudgery of training and focused more on the outcome.

Instead of running for a specific time or distance, have a destination to go to. Let your destination be your accomplishment.

Put your bike in your car and drive to a different town; go for an adventure ride. At your completion, have a nice lunch at an outdoor cafe. Who knows, you might discover something new.

Soundtrack

One of my most memorable runs used to be running on the beach to Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced. Something about that album just made my run unique. I still mentally draw upon the perfect connection to running on the beach and that album when I feel anxious. Fast walking at night goes great with Breakbot really well.

Find the tunes that motivate you to calm yourself for a meditative walk or amp you up for a power walk.

If you aren't up for tunes, then find a great podcast and promise yourself you will exercise for one entire episode. You can focus on learning something new while you train.

Sunsets and Sunrises

Plan your workouts to catch either one of these. You can sample a morning or evening moving mediation while walking, biking, running, blading, or skating.

Location Location Location

Change your run and maybe run a track, walk by local stores and get in a bit of window shopping while you are at it. Drive to a different neighborhood and change it up. Train in a park you have never been to. Changing your scenery will get you out of your body and into your mind. When you do this, time will fly by.

Find outdoor groups

Some groups meet at different locations for mountain biking or join a running group. Call some friends or neighbors and see if maybe they want to train with you. There are Yoga on the beach groups, Pilates in the park groups everywhere. Having a place to go and people who are waiting for you always adds extra motivation.

So change it up, and get outside; it's time.