Turning your garden into a workout space is a great way for you to fit movement into everyday life without the commute to a gym. As a result, exercise will feel less like a chore and more like part of your home routine. Strengthening yourself, as well as improving flexibility and your cardio capabilities, can all be done at home with a bit of planning, so your garden can become a versatile fitness zone that works in all seasons. Here’s a few things to try out.
Think in Zones
This is a great first step. Consider how garden studios could create a dedicated workout hub separate from the main home. A studio or a sheltered corner can give you weatherproof area for yoga, weights, or even a spin bike! The open parts of the garden can be home to circuits, sprints, or family games, so when you design a garden this way, you can enter workout mode in a mental sense when you enter that space, which will make it easier to build a consistent routine.
Use What You Already Have
Before you purchase equipment, have a look at what’s already there. For example, steps can become platforms for step-ups or inclined push-ups, and walls could be useful for wall sits, and if you’ve got a pergola or even a tree, this could be a pull-up station that you could possibly put resistance bands around. We have to remember that our body is not able to tell the difference between a barbell and something heavy. You don’t need an exact piece of equipment to get an amazing workout. When you repurpose your garden in this way, it’s also going to reduce clutter and give you plenty of options for full-body calisthenics-based workouts.
Choose Versatile Equipment
If you feel you need equipment, look at weather-tolerant items that you can store easily. Resistance bands, skipping ropes, adjustable dumbbells, and the mighty kettlebell can cover so many strength and cardio needs. Kettlebells in particular are absolutely fantastic, and when you incorporate Turkish get-ups and kettlebell swings, you’ll be surprised as to how many body parts this is going to work!
Make Sure Your Surfaces Are Safe
Consider where you need softer ground for floor exercises, for example, outdoor mats or rubber tiles can protect your joints if you plan on doing a lot of high-impact moves like jumping or other plyometric-based exercises. But you should always make sure the pathway is clear, surfaces are non-slip, and any equipment is anchored and stored properly, so you can move confidently without tripping over during your workout.
Blend Fitness With Relaxation
The best home workout spaces can switch roles throughout the day, so choose flexible furniture that you can take down or move so you are able to transition from a high-energy circuit to a quiet cool-down or stretch. This will let your garden be a fitness zone as well as a relaxing space where you can unwind after moving your body. You don’t need to go to the gym to get a great workout. There’s more than one way to get an amazing workout routine right outside your back door!