Looking to break free from the confines of your usual gym routine? New Hampshire offers a plethora of incredible outdoor spaces that can serve as your very own outdoor workout area. From scenic parks to challenging trails, you can find the perfect spot to invigorate your outdoor workouts and soak up the beauty of the Granite State.
This article will guide you to some of the best locations and provide outdoor workout ideas to get you started. Plus, we’ll explore the many benefits of outdoor workouts!
Why Take Your Workout Outside?
There’s something truly liberating about exercising in the fresh air. Outdoor workouts provide a welcome change of scenery and offer unique advantages over traditional gym settings.
Here are just a few of the benefits of outdoor workouts:
- Vitamin D Boost: Soaking up the sun while you exercise helps your body produce Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune function.
- Improved Mood: Studies show that exercising outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Increased Motivation: The natural beauty of your surroundings can be incredibly motivating, making it easier to stick to your fitness goals.
- Creativity and Variety: An outdoor workout area offers endless possibilities for outdoor workout exercises. Think beyond your usual routine and embrace the versatility of your environment.
Outdoor Workout Ideas
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there are outdoor workout exercises for everyone. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Trail Running/Hiking: New Hampshire boasts an extensive network of trails, perfect for a challenging run or a leisurely hike.
- Bodyweight Circuit: Find a scenic spot in a park and create a circuit using outdoor workout exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks.
- Yoga in the Park: Many parks offer free yoga classes during the summer months. It’s a great way to connect with nature and improve your flexibility.
- Outdoor Boot Camp: Join a local boot camp class that utilizes the natural terrain for a high-intensity workout.
Best Outdoor Workout Spots in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, with its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, offers a wealth of outdoor workout spots that will inspire and challenge you. Here are a few top picks to get you started:
1. Mount Monadnock State Park
This iconic mountain, rising 3,165 feet above sea level, is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts. With miles of trails ranging from moderate to challenging, Mount Monadnock provides the perfect setting for outdoor training workouts.
- Workout Ideas: Trail running, hiking, uphill sprints, rock scrambling.
- Bonus: The panoramic views from the summit are your reward for conquering this natural wonder!
2. Franconia Notch State Park
Nestled in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. Home to the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge with cascading waterfalls, and Echo Lake, a pristine glacial lake, this park offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor workouts.
- Workout Ideas: Trail running, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming.
- Bonus: Explore the park’s scenic bike path for a leisurely cool-down.
3. Odiorne Point State Park
Escape to the coast at Odiorne Point State Park, where the rugged shoreline meets the vast Atlantic Ocean. This park boasts miles of coastal trails that wind through salt marshes, rocky beaches, and dense forests.
- Workout Ideas: Trail running, beach sprints, yoga on the sand, bodyweight circuits incorporating natural elements like rocks and logs.
- Bonus: Explore the tide pools and discover the fascinating marine life that calls this park home.
4. Pawtuckaway State Park
Pawtuckaway State Park is a hidden gem offering a diverse landscape of forests, fields, and wetlands. With over 12 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, this park caters to all fitness levels.
- Workout Ideas: Trail running, hiking, mountain biking, open-field sprints, yoga in the meadow.
- Bonus: Cool off with a refreshing swim in Pawtuckaway Lake after your workout.
5. Mine Falls Park (Nashua)
This urban oasis in the heart of Nashua offers a network of paved and unpaved trails along the Nashua River. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more accessible outdoor workout area.
- Workout Ideas: Running, walking, cycling, inline skating.
- Bonus: Enjoy the vibrant foliage in autumn or the blooming wildflowers in spring.
6. Derryfield Park (Manchester)
Derryfield Park is a haven for fitness enthusiasts, featuring a dedicated outdoor workout park with equipment like pull-up bars, parallel bars, and dip stations.
- Workout Ideas: Calisthenics, bodyweight training, HIIT workouts.
- Bonus: The park also offers a playground, picnic areas, and a disc golf course for post-workout relaxation.
7. Prescott Park (Portsmouth)
Located on the waterfront in historic Portsmouth, Prescott Park offers stunning views of the Piscataqua River. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic workout with a dose of history.
- Workout Ideas: Yoga, Pilates, walking, jogging.
- Bonus: Enjoy the park’s beautiful gardens and seasonal events, including outdoor theater performances.
Tips for Choosing Your Outdoor Workout Spot
Finding the perfect outdoor workout area involves more than just stunning scenery. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and productive workout, consider these key factors:
Consider your fitness goals
Choose a location that offers the terrain and facilities that align with your preferred outdoor workout exercises. If you’re a trail runner, seek out parks with varied trails. If you enjoy bodyweight training, look for spots with open spaces and natural elements like trees or rocks.
Factor in accessibility
Ensure the location is easily accessible with convenient transportation options and adequate parking. If you’re relying on public transportation, check for bus or train routes that service the area.
Check for amenities
Look for parks with restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas for added convenience. These amenities will enhance your overall experience, especially during longer workouts or when you want to relax afterward.
Be mindful of the environment
Respect park rules, pack out any trash, and stay on designated trails to minimize your impact and protect the natural beauty of these spaces.
Leave the area better than you found it!
Safety first
Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back, especially if you’re venturing out alone. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as wildlife, uneven terrain, or weather conditions.
Check for permits or fees
Some parks or trails may require permits or entrance fees. Do your research in advance to avoid any surprises.
Consider the time of day
Visit the location at different times of day to assess factors like crowds, sunlight, and temperature. This will help you choose the optimal time for your workout.
FAQs about Outdoor Workout Areas
What are some good outdoor workout exercises?
Excellent outdoor workout exercises include bodyweight training (push-ups, squats, lunges), trail running, hiking, yoga, and utilizing natural elements like trees and rocks for climbing or resistance training.
What are the benefits of working out in an outdoor workout park?
Outdoor workout parks provide access to fresh air, sunshine (Vitamin D!), and often have dedicated equipment like pull-up bars and parallel bars, enhancing your outdoor training workouts.
What should I wear for outdoor workouts?
Dress for the weather in moisture-wicking clothing. Wear comfortable shoes appropriate for the terrain, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!
How can I stay motivated to work out outdoors?
Find a workout buddy, join an outdoor fitness group, or vary your outdoor workout locations to keep things interesting. Tracking your progress and setting goals can also help maintain motivation.
Is it safe to work out outdoors in the summer heat?
Take precautions in hot weather. Workout during cooler times of the day, stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or overheated, stop and seek shade.