The Gym or Outdoors – How do you choose?

Fri, Dec 4, 2015•05:00•Squatch Men: Lifestyle,The Great Outdoors

The Gym or Outdoors – How do you choose?

Being active can be really enjoyable, but it can also be a challenge. Depending on your personality, work schedule, or the way you like to exercise, you might have a preference of working out indoors or outdoors! Trying to find the time, place, or finances to stay fit can be difficult; here below we’ll attempt to help you decide where you can maintain your physical fitness best.

Listed here are the roses and thorns of each so you are able to best decide how you can be active and healthy in every season!

Exercising Outside

Benefits:

1. Variety- hiking, swimming, biking (mountain and road!), skiing, running, walking, rowing, etc.
2. Nature- refreshing and beautiful sights and sounds
3. Fresh air (unless you are running near busy roads)
4. It usually is more invigorating than staying inside
5. Low or no cost

6. Easy accessibility- everyone can do it

Challenges:

1. Accountability- if you exercise alone it might be easy for you to skip a workout
2. Loss of motivation if there is inclement weather or trails are closed
3. Weather is a factor (usually heat, rain, or the cold/snow)
4. It gets dark earlier in the winter so it is tough to go in the evenings
5. Accessibility (an example would be a state park that closes at dusk)

Exercising Inside

Benefits:

1. Cross train and super sets can allow for variety and quick workouts
2. Consistent climate
3. Accountability with a trainer or a friend (as well as socializing with them!)
4. A routine can be easily set at a gym
5. New technology or classes to try out (weights, pool, racket ball, spinning, etc.)

6. Open usually very early until very late (some are open 24 hours a day!)

Challenges:

1. Cost- it can be expensive to have a monthly membership
2. It can be intimidating to work out with others around you (and feel as if you are being watched or judged)
3. Gyms are often crowded at certain times of day
4. Damaged equipment
5. People might be uptight in classes you attend

Now it’s up to you! Decide where you want to work out, and then get out there and do it! (After you get sweaty from all your hard work, make sure to lather up with Dr. Squatch’s natural soap, and then dab on some of our natural cologne. You’ll be glad you did.)

{via Squatch Ambassador Jeremiah Auer}

{Thank you to Jason Tobeck, Assistant Football Coach and Associate Director of Admissions at Whitworth University and Helen Higgs, PhD, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at Whitworth University}