For those of you who reside in warmer climates like I do in Arizona, winter is the season to take your training outside. I love nothing more than just throwing on my trail shoes and getting a workout in right outside of my front door. Here are my top 10 favorite outdoor workouts……..
1-Trail Running-There are hundreds of thousands of trails to explore here in the Phoenix area. Rather than hiking, start building yourself up for an even more intense workout and try trail running. Just make sure you invest in a good pair of trail shoes. This is the best way to get one heck of a workout and to also explore our beautiful desert. I also prefer the winter because the rattle snakes are still sleeping:)
2-Hiking-If trail running is too much to start with, start hiking. It will get you out of the dreary gym and again, is a great way to explore the desert. Spring is just around the corner and the wildflowers will be AMAZING with all of the rain we have had.
3-Skiing and Snowboarding-Arizona is the only state that I have lived in where I can go snowboarding all day, throw flip flops on at the end of the day and drive home. AZ Snowbowl in Flagstaff is only 2 hours away and is a great little ski mountain. Just do your best to get there on a weekday to avoid crowds. Plus, you can see the Grand Canyon from the top of the mountain:)
4-Wakeboarding, Wake Surfing and Water Skiing-The water is chilly this time of year, but you can still get out on the lake with a wet suit on. Water sports are my favorite pass time during the hot summer months, but I also love to get behind the boat in the winter too.
5-Mountain Biking-We have endless trails here in Arizona, get your butts out there and look around. There is no better way to cover more ground than on a mountain bike. Just make sure you take a beginner trail if you are new and wear a helmet. This is for sure to blast your legs.
6-Boot Camp-There are hundreds of boot camps around the valley that take place in the great outdoors. Search your neck of the woods for outdoor bootcamps to blast our booty.
7-Track Workout-Combine sprints, bleachers climbs and plyometrics for a calorie burning workout. All you need are a pair of running shoes and your favorite tunes.
8-Golf-Get out and walk the course rather than getting a golf cart. Arizona is famous for its golf courses so take advantage of it.
9-Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Half Marathon or a Triathlon Sprint-Step outside of your comfort zone and train for an event. I did my 1st Spartan Race in 2018 and loved it!
10-Walk-If all else fails, get out and go for a walk around your neighborhood. If you have a pooch take him/her on daily walks. Your puppy will appreciate it and you will get some exercise.
We live in a sedentary world so make that extra effort to get outside, enjoy the weather and to get moving. Life is too short to not get moving and to enjoy the great outdoors. If you would like a coach to help you get in shape for any of these on my top 10 list, then contact me today for a FREE consultation. I am sure to challenge you and to help you off the couch and into the great outdoors.
Karen Mullarkey
“No Mullarkey” Personal Training
IFBB PRO/WBFF PRO/ISSA CFT