Should I work out outside or in the gym? That is the question.

Workout outside or in the gym on warm days? A tough butt workout, a bike ride in the park or a hike in the mountains? We know you’re torn, we get you, it’s really hard! And summer goes by in the blink of an eye and you won’t know when you’re changing wardrobes and thinning out your outings again because of bad weather.

Creating a workout habit is a vast topic that we’ve touched on many times, but the fundamental point is that you shouldn’t give up even when you’re least in the mood to move. And what is movement? Health! That’s why we’re bringing you the benefits of combining a workout at the gym with moving outdoors.

This approach combines the benefits of both environments and allows for flexibility, which is key to long-term success.

Exercises in the gym

Exercising in the gym provides an ideal environment to achieve your sporting goals. Next Level clubs have a wide range of high quality equipment available, allowing you to target different muscle groups. And if you also trust a professional trainer, you can optimise your training plan and improve your technique, reducing the risk of injury.

Or maybe you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know where to start or is too embarrassed to train on their own? We have the perfect solution for you – group classes that bring dynamism and energy to your routine. A structured, tight and beneficial workout supervised by a coach to bring out the best in you and a group to complain together about another set that was supposed to be “the last” – sounds great, right?

Gym workouts are undoubtedly the perfect option on hot days or snowy months when you don’t even want to show your nose, let alone work out in icy conditions and freezing temperatures.

Outdoor sports

Exercising and outdoor activities, however, also offer a range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of them:

1. Physical health

• Improving cardiovascular health: outdoor exercise, such as running, cycling or walking, stimulates the heart and blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Increased stamina and strength: Regular physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, increases energy and improves overall fitness.
• Boosting the immune system: Exposure to fresh air and sunlight can boost the immune system while helping to synthesize vitamin D.
• Improve sleep: Exercising in the fresh air helps for better and deeper sleep, which is essential for the body’s recovery.

2. Mental Health

• Reduce stress and anxiety: Outdoor activities often lead to relaxation and the release of endorphins, which reduces stress levels and improves mood.
• Increased creativity and concentration: The natural environment can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive functions, such as the ability to concentrate and be creative.
• Social Benefits: Group outdoor exercise promotes socialization and building friendships, which contributes to better mental health.
• Improving self-esteem: Achieving personal goals and overcoming physical challenges strengthens self-esteem and confidence.
• Connecting with nature: Spending time outdoors creates a sense of harmony and calm, helping to improve mental and emotional health.

Outdoor exercise can be fun and motivating as the environment is constantly changing and offers new challenges.

This is why we at Next Level have run a number of hikes in the foothills of the Vitosha Mountains with our coaches. Movement is important for your health, whether it consists of weight training in the gym or hiking in the mountains.

Have you participated in any of them yet? There’s still time to get involved because we’re not stopping. Follow our social profiles for more information on the next hike!

Why combine gym workouts with outdoor exercise?

You bring variety to the routine

Or maybe not exactly? Keep the routine associated with regular movement, but have variety in the movement. After all, keeping a routine is the foundation of success. Exercise clubs offer a relaxed and familiar environment with a wide range of equipment where you can complete your pre-prepared programme. There are no unpredictable situations. On the other hand, outdoor workouts bring fresh air, sunlight and natural scenery that can refresh the mind and body.

You can balance your workout schedule with a hard workout at the gym two or three times a week, and include a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, a run, outdoor yoga, and more on the other days to get all the positives out of the opportunities presented to you.

You are flexible

One of the biggest benefits of combining fitness training with moving outside is flexibility. If the weather is bad or it’s too hot, you can move to the health club where the air-conditioned conditions are ideal. This way, you minimize the adverse effects of the weather and maintain an optimal environment for effective exercise.

And when the weather and temperatures permit, you can take the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air, which adds new energy and motivation to your workouts. Thanks to this flexibility, you eliminate monotony and maintain a high level of motivation.

Overcoming boredom

The key to maintaining long-term interest in exercise is overcoming boredom. A combination of different types of exercise allows you to engage different muscle groups and keep a fresh perspective on exercise. Plus, a change of scenery can stimulate your mind and add new energy to your workout routine.

You can combine the two types of workouts at Next Level Park Center, for example, where the terrace is open in the summer for both solo functional training and group workouts. Enjoy a nice view, fresh air and a beneficial workout.

Find your Next Level! 😉