Outdoor Exercise Opportunities in Little Rock, Arkansas

If your workout routine is lagging, perhaps what you need to do is get outside and move. There are many advantages to outside exercise, and in a beautiful state like Arkansas, many places to visit. Where ever you live, take the opportunity to explore city, state, and national parks. 

Exercising outside offers some specific advantages over indoor exercising. Being outside offers a level of engagement and distraction that results in a better workout, without feeling like you’re working extra hard. Even the act of actually moving through the world, as opposed to moving in one place on a piece of equipment, can be inspiring and encouraging. Rather than just waiting for the time to pass, there is purpose in completing a trail or hiking to a certain vantage point. 

Other Advantages of Outdoor Exercise

1. Challenge your body

The variability of the terrain offers your body numerous challenges, from keeping your footing to managing going up and down hills to accounting for wind resistance or the extra energy you expend being hot or cold. Put simply, a workout in the real world offers your body challenges you aren’t going to find in a gym. 

2. Change up your routine

If you are getting bored, you might be tempted to skip your workout. Moving things outside can spark your interest. You may also find yourself using different muscles in different ways as you respond to the physical challenges in your environment. 

3. Relieve Stress

Being outside in natural spaces is a proven way to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. Resting your eyes on the horizon, seeing the beauty of nature, and breathing deeply in the fresh air can get your mind off of your own issues and give you a break. 

4. Give your mental health a boost

Sunshine and fresh air can help boost your serotonin levels. Getting sunlight also helps your body make vitamin D. 

5. Accessible and low cost

Although state and national parks do often have an entry fee, there are often some days of the year that these are waived. The Little Rock Soiree published a list of these dates from the National Park service. Arkansas also has a fantastic state park system, and many parks worth visiting over and over again. In fact, you don’t even have to leave town to take advantage of the beautiful spaces maintained by Little Rock Parks and Recreation. Some parks offer walking or jogging trails, and some offer exercise circuit installations as well. Somehow taking the exercise equipment out of the gym and putting it in a park can help you feel like you’re back at the playground!

While exercising outside offers these great opportunities, it also comes with some special considerations to keep in mind.  

1. Sun. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, or light long sleeved shirts. Pay attention to how long you’re exposed, and to what time of day it is—the sun is most intense between 10 AM and 2 PM. 

2. Hydrate. It can be easy to dehydrate when moving outside. The sun and wind are drying, and in addition to this, you might be so interested in what you’re doing that you forget to drink. You’ll also have to plan ahead and bring your water with you, since there won’t likely be a faucet handy when you’re thirsty. Bring a water bottle, and have extra water in your car just in case. 

3. Watch the heat, cold, or other weather conditions. Shelter is truly one of the important human needs that we can easily take for granted in our modern world. Having clothing that protects you from overheating, or getting too cold, or keeps you dry, can make a big difference when you’re working out outside. Take into consideration the weather conditions and adapt your clothing and your routine to keep yourself safe. Exercising in extreme circumstances is unwise.

Visiting a park can be an effective way to get accomplish several goals at once. You can get some movement time, relax, and spend time with friends and family, all at the same time. If you’re looking for ways to add movement to your life, just walk out your front door and spend some time outside!