10 Reasons To Take Your Workout Beyond The Gym

The world is your gym, and the membership is free. All you have to do is get behind the wheel, pick up your workout buddy, and Go Further.

1. Running outside provides a constantly changing terrain.

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By trading in the treadmill for a trail, you'll be running both uphill and downhill, training muscles that would otherwise be left unused on a static surface.

2. Also, if you run outside... you can run for less time. ;)

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You would have to run longer on a treadmill to exert the same energy you would burn while running outdoors due to air resistance.

3. Yoga on the beach isn't just great for your Instagram.

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The sand is on different levels, requiring more attention from muscles and adding beneficial intensity to the pose.

4. Open-water swimming is just as effective as swimming laps in a pool.

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Swimming in any body of water has the same effects as swimming in a pool, but what it doesn't have is wait times, lanes, and chlorine.

5. It'll break the routine...

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Not having the same old elliptical and machines to work with, you'll find new and interesting ways to stay in shape.

6. ...while helping you stick to your routine.

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Research is starting to show that people who take their workout beyond the gym are more likely to stick to their regimen.

7. It’s cheaper than a gym membership.

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Gym memberships are expensive! There are also contracts and fees and shared showers and a whole slew of icky things.

8. It's also cheaper than therapy!

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Studies show that exercising outdoors isn't just good for you physically; it's mentally beneficial as well!

9. It'll help you cut the coffee...

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While exercise in general will increase your energy levels, it's been proven that even just 20 minutes outside can give you a boost equivalent to a cup of coffee. So if you're working out AND outside, it ups the ante.

10. ...and cut the cord(s).

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Exercising outside will force you to leave the TVs, phones, tablets, and all other screens behind. Studies show that creativity spikes if you take time to unplug and disconnect.

So what are you waiting for? Your gym is all around you and it's only a short drive away!