5 Outdoor Activities to Energize Your Outdoor Adventure

So you want to get in shape. But the idea of running on a treadmill bores you to tears. What do you do? Fortunately, health clubs do not have a monopoly on fitness.

Some intense outdoor activities are sure to keep you in shape and satisfy your craving for excitement and adventure: hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, cave exploring, and mountain climbing. They are guaranteed to get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing for a different reason.

All these extreme outdoor activities offer a range of physical benefits. The intense nature of these workouts is sure to help you lose weight and to improve your cardio fitness. You gain more muscle tone, improve your flexibility, and increase your bone density (warding off osteoporosis).

In addition to the many health benefits, these wilderness workouts help promote quality sleep, reduce depression and renew your spirit. Try one of these outdoor adventures that will tax you physically and test the limits of your courage.

Hiking

Of these five amazing outdoor adventures, hiking may be the most forgiving and appealing for beginners. On a good hike, you might be able to burn up to 370 calories an hour. Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors without any clear destination or agenda. Also, it’s fairly inexpensive—all you need is a good pair of comfortable shoes.

Backpacking

Backpacking can be much more rigorous than a gentle hike. The average backpacker burns over 4,000 calories per day. This activity can lead you further into the wilderness and the unknown. You can enjoy socializing with others or enjoy solitude by going alone.

Rock Climbing

One might argue that rock climbing is the ultimate physical challenge. Anyone who has tried it will tell you that rock climbing is never boring. You are guaranteed to get wet and muddy each time you go as you explore the dark crevices inside the earth. Finally, the intensity and hard work pay off when you reach the top to peer out over a breathtaking view of the horizon.

Cave Exploring

Caving or spelunking, cave exploring is a perfect activity for those not afraid to get their hands dirty. Each time you go, you are guaranteed to get wet and muddy as you explore the dark crevices inside the earth. This unique, thrilling activity is ideal for those who have the heart of an explorer. You will surely gain a deep respect for nature as you explore known caves and discover new ones.

Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing (or mountaineering) takes rock climbing to a new level. You gain the benefits of fresh, clean mountain air and the soothing silence—only occasionally disturbed by birds chirping. Many climb mountains for the intense adrenaline rush, to test their limits, or to prove they can. The beautiful vistas are expanded. When you reach the summit after a grueling climb, you are at a loss for words to describe the immense beauty before you.

These five heart-pumping outdoor activities are a sure cure for the workout blues. Add a little adventure to your life, break out of the mold of a predictable exercise routine, step into the wilderness, and let your spirit soar.