Summer is near. Here’s how to get started on an outdoor exercise routine

Between the sweat smell, fluorescent lights and omnipresent television screens, April Herring has never connected with going to the gym. “There’s something about the energetic healing quality of nature.” The health benefits of spending time in nature have long been established, and exercise in general, of course, improves physical and mental well-being. “If we’re going to live long lives, this is what it’s about.” Getting started on an outdoor routine, however, might not be as easy as signing up for another gym membership. “They’re probably going to hurt an Achilles or a hamstring or something by doing something too fast.” THEN BUILD STRENGTH WITH WHAT’S AROUND A side benefit of exercising outside is that there’s no need to buy expensive equipment, trainers say. “If we have the clothing for whatever the temperatures are that we may be in, then we’re more likely to go outside to be active when we need to,” Rhea said.