You’ve picked the perfect activity for staying fit. Camping is inherently an active endeavor. From pitching a tent, building a fire, hiking, fishing– the list goes on. You will not be hard-pressed for exercise.
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However, if you want to create some intentional space for focused workouts, there is room for that, too! Learn the best tips and tricks for getting your workouts in while enjoying the outdoors!
Staying Fit While Camping
This summer, let’s stay fit while camping! You’ll be amazed by how much physical activity camping requires in and of itself. From lugging supplies around to setting up the tent, you’ll be toned before you know it. Implementing focused workouts into your camping routine is easy, too.
It often requires little to no equipment, and everything can be modified to your ability. If you can’t get outside every day, there is often plenty of room to work out in a large camping tent. So even on rainy days, campers can get their movement in.
Before we get into it, here are a few notes and suggestions that will enhance your camping workouts!
Group Workouts are Extra Fun
Add some healthy competition to the mix by inviting your friends to join. You can set up a circuit-training style where everyone rotates timed activities. Or, lead everyone in a “group” class. Sometimes it’s nice to just be working out at the same time, doing different things! Working out with friends is motivating and makes the time go by faster!
Rest Days and Stretching Regularly
Almost just as important as working your muscles is recovery. Taking time to stretch before and after workouts is important for so many reasons. For one thing, stretching promotes good circulation. Not only is this essential for cognitive function! Stretch for muscle relaxation and improved mobility. Even just sleeping on a harder surface, like you do at camp, will tighten your muscles. Create time to stretch, and carve a rest day or two into your weeks!
Effective Hydration and Nutrition
Committed to working out and engaging in intense activity while camping? Then you need to fuel your body appropriately! Trust us, we wish we could have s’mores for every meal, too. But running on sugar just won’t support your body in the way needed for workouts. Pack and prep highly nutritious meals with plenty of protein. For the most effective hydration, bring electrolytes. Or, you can even make your own by adding a little salt, lemon, and honey to your reusable water bottle!
Be Respectful at Camp and on the Trail
Working out often means you’re getting into your “zone”. Maybe you’re blasting your playlist, or just making noise unknowingly. But at camp, it’s important to be mindful of your neighbors, too! Many campgrounds have designated quiet hours. Know yours, and prepare accordingly! Wear headphones, and stay within your campsite boundaries.
Trail runners– remember you’re sharing the trail! Get comfortable with taking breaks and letting other hikers pass you. Remember to call out ahead of time, “On your left!” or “On your right!” and pass others respectfully.
Best Workouts to do at Camp
Okay, now for the good part. What are the best workouts for campers? We’ve got a list of some of the most effective, camp-friendly fitness routines you’ll want to get in on. As summer approaches, it’s time to dust off the mat, grab some weights, and trail runners, and get outside!
Yoga & Mat Pilates
This is a camp favorite! Yoga is equal parts stimulating and relaxing. The beauty of yoga is that it can be modified towards different goals. Use it for strength training, balance, or deep stretching and rest.
All you need is a mat or a towel on an even surface. Yoga can be done just about anywhere. At the top of a hike? In a meadow? On the beach? Whip out the mat! It’s a great rainy-day activity, too, and can be done from the comfort of your tent! End your yoga session with some deep breathing exercises for focused meditation. Let oxygen flow to the muscles you’ve just warmed up.
Mat Pilates is similar! This combines the principles of yoga with a focus on controlled movements. If you want to focus on core strength, stability, enhanced body awareness, and more, try mat pilates at camp. The payoff is great, and it’s the perfect activity to do on days you want a break from hiking or biking.
Swimming
Camping lake-side offers so much more than stellar views. It’s a free opportunity to get one of the best workouts possible– swimming! Swimming is a high-resistance workout– it works essentially every muscle in the body. It’s extra great to take tension and pressure off the joints and bones. Whether you’re a serious swimmer or a doggy paddler, get in the water for endless physical and mental benefits.
If you do plan to swim in open water, be very aware of the currents and tides. Bring a friend, if you can! They can either swim with you or monitor from the beach. Muscle cramps can be a danger when swimming offshore. Remember that stretching and having proper vitamins improve performance. Potassium and magnesium ease muscles and help reduce the chances of cramps. This is a game-changer when swimming. It improves both ability and safety.
Body Weight Calisthenics
Calisthenics allows campers to isolate muscle groups and get a serious workout in! This form of exercise uses one’s own body weight as resistance. Focusing on just body weight is super camp-friendly. It doesn’t require any big weights or machines.
Think pushups, burpees, jumping jacks, and more. Calisthenics is great for functional movement. These moves are designed to enhance real-life movements used in everyday life. You may start to notice how much easier it is to squat down and stoke the fire. Or how much stronger your arms and shoulders are on your next climbing adventure!
For an extra challenge, use resistance bands! These are small, lightweight bands that are easy to pack. If you don’t have any, utilize some tent accessories or camp gear. Hold log carriers for weights, use bungee cords for resistance– get creative!
Trail Running
Trail running is so much more than the average jog! Running on a trail offers various physical challenges. Obstacles, strategic footing, elevation changes, and more. Runners will need a good pair of trail running shoes. These are a cross between a hiking and running show. Lightweight and comfy like a runner, and rugged like a hiker. Check out your local outdoor and sports retailer for the perfect fit.
Map your run before. The last thing you want is to get lost during a simple workout. Carry your water and electrolytes. And carrying bear spray doesn’t hurt, either!
Trail running is motivating not just in the exercise, but in the scenery! It’s scenic and peaceful. Trails lead through beautiful forests to spectacular views. Jog towards the beach for a cool-down dip!
Hiking
Campers, you already know this one’s a given! It’s the workout you don’t even have to think about! With sturdy, weatherproof hiking shoes, hit the trail!
The reward is very similar to that of trail running. Hiking trails usually have natural obstacles, elevation gains and drops, and more. For more of a challenge, select a more strenuous trail than you’re used to. The beauty of hiking is that it is a low-impact activity. This means it’s much easier on the joints and bones than trail running. The physical and mental benefits of hiking are endless.
Biking
Biking isn’t just a great way to get around, but a great workout, too! When biking, campers get transportation, scenic views, and extra activity. It’s another low-impact exercise. Focus on core strength, balance, and leg strength.
For a more rugged experience, try mountain biking! Some campgrounds have trails with varying difficulties. For more scenic rides, go along a boardwalk or the road. Especially in remote areas, biking helps campers cover a lot of ground, without becoming overly exhausted. Some campgrounds or parks may offer bike rentals if you don’t already have one. Don’t forget your helmet!
You Got This!
Working out while camping is simple to do! Whether you’re getting on the mat, hitting the biking trails, or challenging friends to a calisthenics challenge. Functional fitness while outdoors helps improve physical, mental, and overall wellness. Not to mention being outdoors in a beautiful setting makes working out all the more fun!
Be prepared with proper stretching, nutrition, and a positive mindset. Working out while camping is a truly rewarding and uplifting experience. Happy camping!
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