5 Outdoor Workouts You Can Enjoy in North Texas Nature

As the Texas heat cools down and being outdoors feels less like a sauna, it’s a great time to take advantage of the nice weather in DFW and enjoy some outdoor workouts. Not to mention that nature can have a positive impact on your health.

According to the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter, people who spent 120 minutes per week in natural environments were substantially more likely to report good psychological and physical well-being than those who did not.

Not only are there a variety of mental health benefits of being in nature, the great outdoors can also help you physically. Aside from the obvious physical benefits of exercising, being outdoors can even help you cope with pain. 

Here are workouts you can try this fall while enjoying Texas nature:

1. Hill Sprints at Cedar Hill State Park

While sprints can be intimidating, you can ease your body into sprinting by trying an exercise called hill sprints. The inclined hill will put your body in a safer position by preventing you from sprinting at a max speed, which can often result in pulled or strained hamstrings. 

Hill sprints offer a great lower-body workout, especially for your hamstrings, calves, and glutes. By using your arms to help propel yourself up the hill, it also provides a great upper-body workout. 

Not sure where to find a decent hill in DFW? Check out Cedar Hill State Park, also known as one of the hidden gems of Dallas. As a bonus workout, experienced bike riders can bring their bike along for a brisk ride through the park.

2. The Playground Workout

Live near a playground? Have kids but still want to squeeze in your exercises? Parks and playgrounds offer a perfect setting for outdoor workouts with plenty of “equipment” to play on and space to move around. 

From swinging across the monkey bars to climbing the slides or treating the park bench like a Stair Master, there is no shortage of opportunities for you to enjoy a workout right in your neighborhood. As a bonus, your kids will enjoy playing while you productively exercise.

Check out this list by Upparent for some of the best playgrounds in DFW.

3. Take a Hike in Texas Parks

Did you know that hiking can contribute to healthy bones, muscles, and joints as well as relieve the pain of arthritis?

While Texas is best known for its sports, barbecue, and rodeos, what many people don’t realize is that it is also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The Lone Star State features many natural marvels, and thanks to the state’s large size, you can find mountain views in one part and undisturbed beaches in another.

Take advantage of some of the idyllic DFW parks and go for a hike with a friend. Here are a few of our favorite DFW hiking trails for an outdoor workout.

4. Use the Stairs at Your Local High School Stadium

Similar to hill sprints, stairs provide an equipment-free outdoor workout that will challenge every part of your body. Visit your local high school or college stadium and take advantage of the stairs and the outdoors at the same time.

While you should first verify any new exercise regimes with your doctor, here is a suggested stair workout you can try. Keep in mind that the intensity will depend on the number of stairs.

  1. Sprint or walk every other step for 10 repetitions (20 total stairs).
  2. Walk back down the stairs for recovery and repeat for four rounds.
  3. Sprint every step for a total of 20 steps.
  4. Walk back down the stairs for recovery and repeat for four rounds.
  5. Bunny hop up every step for 10 total steps (keep feet shoulder-width apart).
  6. Walk back down the stairs for recovery and repeat for four rounds.
  7. Rest for one minute and repeat the above exercise.

5. Enjoy a Sand Workout

If the weather is particularly nice and not too cold, you can even take advantage of the sand. The next time you are at the beach, consider a sand workout before you jump in the water. The thick sand provides a challenging surface for an outdoor workout that is easy on the joints while effective in working out your muscles. 

Don’t forget that you don’t need an ocean to get access to the sand. There are several beaches in DFW that you can access. If you decide to travel to a beach instead, be sure to check out our blog, Summer Safety Tips To Consider While Traveling, as well as our free resource, Packing Checklist for a Summer Trip.

If these outdoor workouts are not enticing to you, and you just want to take a brisk run, we’ve got you covered. Download our free list of the best running trails in DFW.

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