Outdoor Fitness Activities to Try Now
Enjoy the fresh air while staying fit and active!
Staying active and fit is always a good idea—especially in a pandemic.
Many of us are unconsciously cutting down on our regular physical activities because of the stay-at-home setup. Our regular commute and walking around have been reduced, which means we should be more conscious about adding more physical activities to our everyday routine.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity and muscle strengthening each week to keep our bodies in tip-top shape. While 150 minutes sounds daunting, it’s easy to break this up into chunks throughout the week so you basically just need to move at least 22 minutes a day.
After more than a year in lockdown, at-home yoga, Pilates, and video exercises may sound tedious and boring for some. But don’t let that stop you from staying fit! With restrictions loosening, places opening up, and more people getting vaccinated, it’s certainly safer now to try outdoor activities to keep your body healthy and active.
Outdoor Fitness
Outdoor Fitness
Biking/Cycling
Biking has probably seen the biggest proliferation in the pandemic as it has, first and foremost, become one of the safest and most socially distant form of transportation. While Metro Manila roads can still use some improving to make it friendlier and safer to biker, there have been efforts to improve the status quo. Now, the whole of EDSA has designated bike lanes, and cities like BGC and Pasig have started to improve their facilities for bikers. Indeed, the call to #ShareTheRoad has never been has never been this stronger. For beginners looking for their first bike, check out Decathlon for bikes and protective equipment.
Photo Credit: Decathlon
Roller skating
Roller skating may have taken a back seat after its boom in the ’80s and ’90s, but the pandemic and the rise of Tiktok has brought it back stronger than ever. Thanks to the rise of the Facebook group Everywhere We Skate PH, a new community has begun to grow to welcome newbies and returning skaters to the sport. To get your first pair of roller skates, check out Chaser Action Sports. They carry a wide range of quad skates and inline skates from beginner Chaser Whips to the more advanced Chaya skates. Visit Robinsons Metro East Deck, Capitol Commons Park, or The Bike Park at Circulo Verde for safe and nice surfaces for skating.
Photo Credit: Chaser Action Sports
Skateboarding
Just in time for the debut of skateboarding in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and with Philippine’s Margielyn Didal the only Asian to compete in the event, why not try skateboarding? While skateboarding is fun enough to do on any flat and smooth surface, it’s always nice to level up your skills with ramps and obstacles. Fortunately, more cities are now putting up the proper facilities for skateboarders to have fun and learn tricks. For those near Tondo area, the Vitas Skate Park was recently revived by Mayor Isko Moreno, while the RAVE of Pasig Rainforest Adventure Experience has also reopened their skate and bike park. For your skateboard needs and protective gear, visit Chaser Action Sports.
Photo Credit: Chaser Action Sports
Hiking
The Philippines is fortunate to be blessed with an abundance of beautiful and lush natural resources. Even here in Metro Manila, it’s not hard to set a hiking trip at nearby Rizal for a quick escape to nature. While there are many mountains you can hike independently, beginners would appreciate the guided and established trails by Masungi Georeserve, a company dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the limestone formations and plant and animal species in Baras, Rizal. Masungi is now open for safe and healthy trails through their website at www.masungigeoreserve.com.
Photo Credit: Masungi Georeserve
Golfing
Who said golfing is just for rich old men talking business? Golfing is actually a form of strength training that improves one’s core and balance. It’s also a perfect pandemic activity because the grounds are massive, allowing for ample social distancing and fresh air. The Villamor Air Base Golf Course has become very welcoming to beginners and has a rate for both privilege holders and walk-in guests.
Photo Credit: Villamor Air Base Golf Course
Freediving
If swimming is your thing, level up your skills with freediving training! Swimming is probably one of the best fat-burning activities since it utilizes the whole body, burning 400-700 calories an hour. So you’re not just keeping your body fit, you’re actively shedding some weight to prepare you for your freediving bikini outfit! For beginners, ABSea Freediving offers an introduction to freediving course that will guide you through the basics. The course comes with accommodation, meals, coach fees, gear rental, and underwater photos.
Photo Credit: ABSea Freediving
Tennis
While most team sports like basketball have not returned to normalcy, tennis is a pretty safe and socially distant sport that can be enjoyed outdoors. For those looking to work their rackets, UP Diliman’s outdoor Tennis Court is now open and can be rented by the hour. While you're at it, why not check out your clubhouse tennis court if they offer classes too?
Photo Credit: Lebih dari ini/Pexels
Jogging/Running
And of course, how about some good old jogging? All you need to do is strap on a pair of running shoes, some comfortable clothing, and you’re set to start running! For some scenic jogging routes, head to BGC, the Filinvest MTB Trail, or Luneta Park.
Photo Credit: Mentatdgt/Pexels
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