By Jasmine Perez |Staff Writer|
When you do not have a gym membership, there is always a hike waiting for you, a workout at the park or simply just push-ups and sit-ups just outside your doorstep.
There are many ways exercising outdoors can benefit one’s body and mind.
According to a 2011 study by the Huffington post, “Outdoor exercise was associated with greater decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression when compared to indoor activity.”
In addition to benefiting your mind and relaxation, exercising outdoors can motivate you to do exercises with your own body weight.
“Sometimes when I am not in the mood to workout in our crowded gym, I go to our track instead,” said Rec Center regular, Jose Martinez.
“I run a couple laps as a warm-up and then do body weight exercises such as, mountain climbers, push-ups, jumping jacks,” continued Martinez.
Although you may feel it is not the same as weightlifting in a gym with fancy machines, your body can be the strongest machine.
According to blog.trainheroic.com, “One of the most important benefits of bodyweight exercise is its ability to improve your cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength all at once.”
Hiking can push your limits and relax your mind while enjoying beautiful sceneries.
There are many hikes in the Inland Empire that can challenge you and get your heart pumping such as Claremont Loop or Mt. Baldy.
You can also try an easier hike with a paved trail all the way to the top to incorporate some body weight exercises on the way up.
A perfect hike for this would be Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside, Calif.
“I go on many hikes and Mt. Rubidoux is by far my favorite because of the paved trail,” said student Yarreri Morales.
“You can choose to run it if you are in the mood or just power walk which will still give you a good workout. My favorite time to go is early in the morning to watch the sunrise,” continued Morales.
It is about a 3-mile hike and has benches along the way up where you can stop to do triceps push-ups or kick-ups.
The trail also has about 20 steps once you reach the top where you can incorporate jump squats or simply just run/jog up and down them.
“Mt. Rubidoux has been very useful for me when I feel that I need an intense workout but feel stress-free at the same time,” mentioned Martinez.
“The benches they have at every corner make it convenient to incorporate different workouts so you are not only doing cardio,” added Martinez.
Next time you are stressed and feel like going to the gym is your only way out, take these suggestions with you and give the outdoors a try.
If you do not have a gym pass and feel you need exercise in your life, remember that there is always a hiking trail waiting for you.
CSUSB outdoors offers many activities year round to engage in such as rock climbing, kayaking, and surfing. Follow them on Instagram @csusboutdoors to get updates.
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