Healthy Heart Tip: Working out in the Park

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Working out in the Park

Let’s get physical! Did you know, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35%? Many of us don’t have gym memberships or access to home gym equipment, so whilst the weather is getting nicer, this week’s tip looks at how to create an easy work out in the park.

Get walking or cycling

Find your nearest park or open green space and head on down. Skip the use of the car, bus or train and throw your trainers on and get walking or cycling to that outdoor space.

Walking or cycling is good for the environment, a great cardiovascular exercise and an excellent way to warm up before jumping into a resistance workout.

Resistance exercises

We should aim to do at least two resistance exercise sessions a week. They are designed to improve strength and endurance – this can be done through body-weight exercises or using weights.

Whilst in the park look out for objects you can use. For example, use a park bench to perform some triceps dips, high step-ups, or elevated glute bridges.

Outdoor gyms

Many outdoor spaces are now equipped with free outdoor gyms. With the cost-of-living crisis among us and most of us cutting back on spending, these free outdoor spaces are a great way to access workout equipment.

You’ll normally find a variety of cardiovascular and resistance-based equipment, such as cross trainers, stationary bikes, rowers, chest and leg press, and pull up bars.

Find your closest gym by using the following links:

The Great Outdoor Gym Company
Fresh Air Fitness
Wicksteed

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.