OUTDOOR EXERCISE

Working-out outdoors can easily become a habit. It can be an exhilarating experience, especially, if the weather conditions are good and the location is scenic. Beautiful, open surroundings (if you are fortunate to have access to a beach or the lawns or have a mountain view) can be mood altering.

You need to bear in mind special weather conditions when working-out outdoors.

For instance, during summer do a longer cool-down session. A cool-down lowers the body’s temperature, gradually. This prevents dizziness and extreme fatigue post-workouts. Suddenly stopping without cooling down can result in a rapid drop in blood pressure and lightheadedness. The last 10 minutes of the workout should be cool-down time. This allows the blood to return from the working muscles to the heart and for the body to return to its resting state.

In winter, focus on doing a longer warm-up session. A warm-up prepares the body for the activity to follow. Muscles perform better and are less prone to injury when they are warm. A warm-up can mean simply walking or marching for 10 minutes to raise the body’s core temperature.

Tips to keep energy levels up when exercising outdoors:

Drink water

Water loss due to hot and humid weather conditions need to be replaced. Drink plenty of water before, after and during an exercise routine to prevent dehydration.

Use eyewear or headbands if required

Eyewear such as sunglasses are commonly used when training outdoors. They protect you from the sun, wind, reflections and glare. Headbands grip your hair so that you are comfortable while exercising. Good news! They come in cool, funky colours.

Wear appropriate sports clothes

What you choose to wear will depend on the climate and kind of activity you do. Sports clothing such as training vests, t-shirts, shorts and track pants provide you sufficient comfort and durability.

INDOOR EXERCISE

On the other hand, you may be impressed by the convenience of not being dependant on weather conditions, or the wild throbbing music, bright lights, a line-up of imported equipment, new-age workouts and other indoor facilities.

In the midst of all this, people in tracksuits pumping iron, aiming for the perfect well toned body and you might think, “I’ve found my perfect avenue for fitness”. So here are some points to watch-out for to have a great indoor fitness experience.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere or ambience in an indoor-setting can motivate members to live healthy lifestyles. Does the facility offer a positive atmosphere encouraging health and well-being?

Amenities

Check if they have the facilities that you are looking for, from equipment to air-conditioning or adequate ventilation.

Membership volume

Every gym or indoor workout facility has rush and slack hours. Find out if you are able to move around smoothly from one exercise machine to another without waiting endlessly.

Maintenance and hygiene

Well-maintained equipment is crucial for effective training. Fitness centres should actually use a disinfectant each time a piece of equipment is handled.

The concept of ‘comfort level’ is central to working out. Whether you choose to work out indoors or outdoors, both have their advantages and disadvantages. See what works out for you and then make you choice.

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