With the warmer weather approaching, so many new opportunities arise. After months of cold, rainy, windy weather, it is understandable that people are very keen to spend more time outside once spring arrives. There are a huge number of different ways to exercise outside in the springtime, and this blog will touch on just a few of those. These are all activities which can be done solo or with friends.
Walking: A Peaceful Way to Enjoy Spring
My personal favourite way to exercise in the springtime is going for walks. There are a number of beautiful places in Reading to go for a walk to clear your mind and get some fresh air. I personally love walking along the Waterloo Meadows area as it is such a space of natural beauty which always has plenty of wildlife and greenery. Some other great places to walk are Whiteknights campus, Forbury Gardens, and along the River Thames in Caversham. In springtime it is the perfect opportunity to spot some baby ducks and geese! Why not stop by the town centre for a coffee and a sweet treat too?
Running: A Great Spring Fitness Challenge
Another great way of exercising outdoors in the spring is going for a run. Whilst this may not be for everyone, there are a huge number of ways to get into running as a beginner. I personally found the Couch to 5K programme really accessible and the perfect way to ease yourself into running. You could also join a run club, which are run both locally and at the university itself. Another way to engage with running is to sign up to do Park Run, held every Saturday morning. There are held around Reading, so it’s a great chance to get to know new areas. Running has a huge number of benefits and springtime is a great chance to get involved. Maybe you could even sign up for a race to get you motivated and raise money for charity?
Outdoor Fitness: Yoga and Exercise in the Fresh Air
In the nicer weather, you could also utilise outdoor spaces for exercise. This could either be a garden or a public outdoor space like a park. Why not try a range of exercise like yoga or a fitness video? This is a great activity to do with friends, and a lovely way to get some fresh air. While it can be intimidating to exercise in public, remember that many people are focused on their own routines, and most are just happy to be outdoors. If you’re feeling self-conscious, starting in quieter areas or with a friend can help ease those nerves.
University Outdoor Activities: Get Involved with Campus Sports
There are also a huge number of activities run by the university which are outdoors during the spring. Many societies hold training sessions outside when the weather is nice, and there are also pay as you play sessions which anyone can participate in which are held outside. These are amazing opportunities to meet other students at the uni, have fun, and be active.
Thank you for reading this blog, I hope it has given you some ideas of some options for exercising outdoors this spring. You could use this nicer weather as the perfect opportunity to try something new, or to pick up an old hobby you haven’t had time for.