Gym Vs Outdoor Activities: Which One Should You Choose

Gym Vs Outdoor Activities: Which One Should You Choose

September 9, 2020

If you are new to exercising, it is possible that you are unsure which exercises will benefit you the most. You are wondering which between indoor and outdoor exercising will work best for your training preferences, daily schedule, and intended workout results. You probably are unsure whether or not paying for a gym membership is a financially healthy idea, or whether or not there are outdoor exercises that can match the effectiveness and intensity of gym workouts. 

Well, if you are curious to know any of the above, you are in luck because we will help you find the right answer.

Learning how to play pickleball singles can be an excellent addition to your indoor or outdoor exercise routine. It is important to note that both outdoor and indoor exercising have their merits and demerits and that makes it hard for anyone but you to choose the best exercising option for you. We will make your job easier by highlighting the top benefits that are there to reap from both indoor and outdoor exercising, as well as a few challenges that you will have to contend with for whichever option you choose. 

Top Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

1. Outdoor activities maximize your vitamin D intake

Vitamin D is needed in the human body for stronger bones and improved immune system. This vitamin is provided for free by the sun. Training outdoors, therefore, helps us keep physically fit not only by aiding the shedding of excess weight but also by maximizing our intake of vitamin D. However, when exercising outside, it is imperative that you always wear sun protection in order to prevent your skin from the dangers of direct UV-A and UV-B rays

2. Outdoor air is mostly fresh

If you live in a polluted area, chances are that even your indoor air quality isn’t the best. Outdoor exercising allows you to take a lungful of the freshest morning air. Climbing a mountain or hiking through the woods is your perfect chance to get away from the toxic air in the city. 

3. There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities

Outdoors is great for running, cycling, playing soccer, walking, skating, kayaking, swimming, surfing, and skating. The list is endless. The scenery in outdoor settings is magnificent, the space is unlimited, and there is a variety of terrains. Furthermore, there are countless recent inventions that make all of these sports too innovative and appealing no to try. If you want to give contemporary cycling a shot,for example, you can choose to  invest in an electric bike kit to assemble on the bike you already own, which will be even more useful in rough cycling terrain. You can also try outdoor sports like tennis and pickleball. You may just need to invest in Custom Pickleball Paddles and other sports equipment.

4. Outdoor exercising is very affordable

Activities such as running and walking are free. Biking will only require you to buy a bike- one upfront cost and you are good to go. If you choose to play paintball, you will get affordable paintball equipment at your nearest sports shop. Outdoor exercising doesn’t break the bank.

Limitations of Outdoor Exercising

Outdoor activities are often interrupted by bad weather. When it rains, the ground gets dangerously slippery. When it’s too hot outside, you can easily burn out. And if your neighborhood is too polluted, you aren’t guaranteed that the outdoor air is fresh.

Top Benefits of Gym Workouts

1. There are machines all over the place

Are you tired of the treadmill? Fine; just jump on the elliptical trainer. You are bored with weight lifts? Fine; switch to aerobics. There is equipment for every muscle on your body. 

2. You don’t have to worry about the weather

The gym is probably air-conditioned to prevent you from burnouts. Also, it doesn’t rain in the gym and the lighting is sufficient, so you can work out any day, any time.

3. It is easy to track progress

In the gym, there are weights and plates that help you track your strength gains. Most gym equipment also comes with timers and trackers that tell you how well your workout is going. You won’t get those outdoors.

Limitations of Gym Workout

The obvious disadvantage of going to the gym is the hefty monthly fees and annual subscriptions involved. Some gyms charge up to $100 membership fee, up to $50 initiation fee, and other monthly charges that can total up to $1000 or more in a year. Another limitation is overcrowding. Sometimes you’ll have to wait in line for your turn to exercise. Overcrowding also lowers the gym’s indoor air quality.

From the analysis above, where do you find most appealing? The best place to work out will depend on your goals and preferences. However, unless you are afraid of bad weather, there seems to be more health benefits in outdoor exercising than in the gym. Make an intelligent choice. 

Peter Palladino, a business development professional with 10 years of experience working in China. He constantly writes extensive articles covering topics about emerging markets, their ability to attract new business/investments from abroad. He helped many of them create branches in China, Japan, and the Philippines, and have been quite exposed to business-making in those markets. He has experience working in a range of industries and providing technical support in topics such as business growth, market expansion, and product development. Currently, he is also serving as an Expert at Globalization Pedia and provides technical advice for its China EOR solutions targeting U.S. International businesses. Peter is passionate about family, languages, traveling, and reading.