You might have the most amazing home gym, but sometimes nothing beats taking your training outside to make the most of the warmer summer weather. Wondering how you can get the most from your session without your usual set up? Well, functional training is your best friend. For those of you who have serious gains and weight lifting PBs to be making – we get it, this might not seem like the ideal option – but a little change from time to time doesn’t hurt and as we all know, functional training is an extremely flexible workout method which not only burns fat, but also increases muscle memory, improves flexibility and balance, and reduces the risk of lifting-induced injury. The great thing about functional training is that it can be done just about anywhere, so long as you have a few key tools to up the intensity and challenge your strength. It’s all well and good finding yourself a nice little outside space to work out in, but what about your trusty equipment? Not only do you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to functional training equipment, but most products are easily transportable and versatile, suiting numerous different types of training – and users, depending on whether you work out solo or as part of a group.
Resistance Bands
These handy little resistance bands are the perfect option for outdoor training. Choose your desired size or push the boat out and get your hands on a selection of sizes, and use them for exercises such as assisted pull ups, bench presses, squats, and rotational movements. They’re durable, lightweight and small enough to put in your workout bag – what more could you want?
Kettlebells
Slightly on the heavier side, granted, but if you can get your hands on a kettlebell or two then your exercise options just became virtually limitless. Squats, walking lunges, swings, ab twists, deadlifts – you name it – you can do it with a kettlebell.
Boxing Equipment
Boxing in a park? Why not! Stock up on a pair of gloves and pads, and of course a bit of protection, and your outdoor cardio just got a lot more enjoyable. All you need to do is find a training partner, and you’re sorted. Boxing equipment is another lightweight option that can go just about anywhere with you.
Power Bags
They’re slightly bigger in size, but Power Bags are another incredible tool for your functional training. Available in a number of weights, you’re able to choose whichever one you feel best supports your level of strength. These are easy to clean too, which is another reason as to why they’re the perfect outdoor workout companion.
Skipping Ropes
Simple but effective, and they can slot right into your backpack, handbag, or suitcase with ease. They don’t need much of an explanation, but they’re a really underestimated tool for quick cardio stints as part of your HIIT or functional training circuit. Don’t doubt the power of a skipping rope! It’ll send your heart rate rocketing.
Suspension Trainers
The holy grail of functional training workouts, as many would agree. As long as you have a safe and sturdy object to attach it to, suspension trainers are amazing for both indoor and outdoor workouts. Many of them come with a number of attachments – and once more, the exercise options are never-ending – so you can easily pop one of these kits in your bag, head outside and work your entire body in the open air.
Slam Balls
A slightly heavier item to carry outside, but medicine balls and slam balls are fantastic for functional training as they’re available in a number of weights. Because of this, they add a level of resistance that you simply can’t get from a bottle of water or tin of beans, two objects of which are often recommended as weight substitutes in the fitness industry. Drink the water, eat the beans and leave the resistance to the ball.
Exercise Mats
An inexpensive workout essential that you’re definitely going to need if you plan to work out in a park or a field. Investing in an exercise mat will diversify your training options further, making floor-based work much more stable and comfortable. Plus, nobody needs grass stains on their workout gear. Like we said, nothing will quite replace your enviable home gym cardio and strength set-up, but the odd outdoor workout in the spring/summer months using a few of these useful training tools will keep your fitness on point, and more importantly interesting. Sometimes you just need to step outside those four walls and test your fitness abilities in the fresh air!