/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-great-outdoors/14190731-1-eng-GB/the-great-outdoors_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-great-outdoors/14190731-1-eng-GB/the-great-outdoors_GZOOM.jpgThe Great Outdoors With 2012 being coined the year of Great Britain we thought it was time to explore the great outdoors and get in shape at the same time.Rather than activities to combat solo, these outdoor exercises encourage camaraderie, nothing like a bit of team GB spirit.
Outdoor exercise is a great alternative to a gym workout, you can tone up and get fit whilst boosting Vitamin D levels to improve your immune system and skin. Not to mention the health benefits that a little dose of fresh air can have.
Choose from idyllic beaches, plush parks and even an assault course. There’s something out there worth dusting off your trainers for.
MATT LEVER
/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-all-rounder/14190738-3-eng-GB/the-all-rounder_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-all-rounder/14190738-3-eng-GB/the-all-rounder_GZOOM.jpgThe All Rounder What they do: The Outdoor Fitness Company offers the full works - intense bootcamp workouts, personal advice on health and fitness and a slimming club. If you find it difficult to summon the energy to train in a gym then the benefits of being in a group could help you push your will power that bit further. By working-out outside you halve the time it takes to achieve improved core stability whilst having a trainer will help to push you that extra mile.
Location: Newcastle
Price: £40 a month for unlimited training or £65 for 10 sessions.
/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/for-yoga-bunnies/14190745-1-eng-GB/for-yoga-bunnies_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/for-yoga-bunnies/14190745-1-eng-GB/for-yoga-bunnies_GZOOM.jpgFor Yoga Bunnies What they do: With sessions starting from £7 pounds you’ll pay roughly half the price of an indoor yoga class. Choose your favourite spot from a range of London parks, our favourite of the bunch being Hampstead Heath. No prior experience is needed so don’t worry about having to hide at the back of the class. Arrange your own yoga haven, invite a group friends, relatives, or workmates and find an hour’s tranquillity with a qualified instructor to encourage you.
Location: London
Price: £7 (minimum 8 people)
MATT LEVER
/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-only-way-is-bootcamp/14190752-1-eng-GB/the-only-way-is-bootcamp_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/the-only-way-is-bootcamp/14190752-1-eng-GB/the-only-way-is-bootcamp_GZOOM.jpgThe Only Way Is Bootcamp What they do: As the only outdoor, fully equipped training facility in Essex with its own assault course it had to make the list. You can rock the GI-Jane look without fear of being watched, as this training environment is away from prying eyes. If you’re ready and willing to climb the monkey bars, crawl through tunnels, and get stuck into the different work zones on route then this could be just the thing for you. It’s a whole body workout with maximum results. Challenging, fun, different, and effective exercising.
Location: Essex
Price: £8.50 for one session. £50 for unlimited sessions a month.
/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/a-bit-of-everything/14190759-1-eng-GB/a-bit-of-everything_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/a-bit-of-everything/14190759-1-eng-GB/a-bit-of-everything_GZOOM.jpgA Bit of Everything What they do: Founder Janey Holliday used to loathe the gym, so created a unique concept to combine fun, effectiveness and the freedom of the outdoors. The women-only workouts are customised to target those difficult areas such as love handles and, the annoyingly persistent, bingo wings. In each session you will do a range of cardio, body conditioning, kick boxing, arm and ab workouts, team games and stretching. Believing that group work outs are great for self-motivation, they’ll push you but not too far. No ex-marines in this class.
Location: London
Price: £5 pounds for a one-off weekend class. £13.50 a week for unlimited classes.
/var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/beach-workout/14190766-1-eng-GB/beach-workout_GA.jpg /var/elleuk/storage/images/beauty/diet-fitness/diet-features/elle-s-guide-to-outdoor-exercise/beach-workout/14190766-1-eng-GB/beach-workout_GZOOM.jpgBeach workout What they do: Did you know that walking on sand burns up to 50% more calories than on a harder surface so imagine what a day’s workout could do? The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 5pm, you’ll do a variety of team exercises, running, weights, kickboxing, and enjoy an organic lunch and snacks. This might seem intense but we promise that by the end you will feel invigorated, healthy and energised by the great outdoors.
Locations: Holkham, Southwold, Frinton-on-sea.
Price: A Beach Fitness day costs £99 or the 2 day weekend costs £170.
MATT LEVER 
