The outdoors is a great place to exercise, providing entertainment and enjoyment. Phil Wickwar, a health teacher, said he starts each day by walking. 

    “I walk basically to burn some calories. I do a 45-minute run, then I walk. The second thing I do hope is to start my metabolism and it’s prior to eating, it burns low calories, it just starts my routine,” Wickwar said.

   Going outside can offer distractions that make the time go by faster, rather than on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Raylee Bachman said that running outside is very uplifting and you actually feel like you’re exercising. 

   “Running outside is really good for you. You get air, you get to see outside, you get all the nature, then you get all the exercise,” Bachman said.

   If running or walking isn’t something that seems interesting there are multiple ways you can be outside and exercise. Hiking, swimming, rock climbing, yoga, biking, and jump rope are all outdoor activities involving exercise. Along with distractions, walking or running on a trail distracts you from the exertion it entails. Wickwaar said that walking outside can be mood lifting. 

   “If it did nothing for me physically, what it does for me mentally and my mood, I’d still walk,” Wickwar said.

   Listening to music or podcast are great things to do while on a walk. Wickwar said that while walking he listens to podcasts and then turns on music on the way back. Wickwar also said that he brings his recorder because while walking he thinks of great ideas that way he can record them and go back to them later. 

   “There is a lot of science out there as you exercise it supports your left side of the brain [creative side]. I got a lot of good ideas while I’m walking,” Wickwar said.

   Trials are a great way to make memories. Going on runs with friends and family makes the experience more enjoyable. Bachman started running because of her mom. At the age of 8, Bachman ran with her mom.

    “It honestly is really fun. You never feel unsafe because you’re with your mom. Sometimes I will be running and I’m like this is super sketchy,” Bachman said.