This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Unlimited Time Only! Free Workouts!

Free workouts available for an unlimited time only! Outdoor workouts are refreshing and help elevate moods while burning calories.

Scenario 1: The smell of sweat, the sound of heavy breathing, the pain of total exhaustion, artificial light.

Scenario 2: The glimmer of warm sunshine, visions and fragrance of green grass and colorful flowers, and feelings of being refreshed and happy to be alive.

Which scenario would you choose? Seems like a no-brainer, but, in reality, most people choose the restrictive confines of a fitness facility when thinking about exercising and reaching personal fitness goals. Really?? Why would anyone choose to pay for the gray den of a smelly fitness facility when it's free to move and groove outside?

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Well, for two reasons: 1. convenience 2. no imagination. Yes, it's easy to go to the gym, get on a machine and pump it out, especially during inclement weather. And if you have the funds to join a facility with lots of fun classes to keep you interested, you may stick to the goal ... for a few months. But then boredom sets in and the romance is over.

What to do? It's easy to avoid gym burnout by supplementing your fitness routines with outdoor workouts. Best of all, it's free, and the mood-enhancing benefits of natural light might even eliminate your weekly therapist appointments.

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When you make time in your life to get outside at least three days per week for 30 minutes or more, within a few days your mood may elevate, your neck muscles may relax, and that obnoxious coworker may seem less irritating (maybe). Use your imagination and listen to your body. It's there for the taking, and best of all; it's free and there's no waiting for your favorite machine!

In the next few months, you will learn fun things to get you off the couch and on the road to better health. All it takes is the desire to feel better in your skin.  

Are you ready?

I'd love to hear some of your favorite ways to feel better and get your fitness groove on.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?