by Mike Riordan

 

Although it’s as unpredictable as ever, the weather is getting warmer and the risk of ice and snow has subsided (fingers crossed), so now is the time to take advantage of what the local parks and playgrounds have to offer.  Many of us are so stuck in a workout pattern of going to the gym either before or after work and doing the same routine that it becomes difficult to break the habit.  As important as it is for you to challenge your body with new and different exercises in order to break through plateaus, it’s important for your mind and spirit to break free of old routines as well. 

 

I know a ton of people who live in NYC and never explore Central Park at all.  “I never have enough time” or “I’m so busy with work that I’m always exhausted” are age old excuses, not only for blowing off workouts, but also for not getting the most out of what’s out there.  Central Park is absolutely beautiful with various paths and walkways that lead to breathtaking views.  And with all of the trees and plants, it’s the closest we can get to actually breathing fresh air!  It’s truly a mini vacation from the stress and grind of the daily routine, including the same old stuff we encounter every day inside sports clubs. 

 

As a Personal Trainer and native New Yorker, I’ve always taken advantage of outdoor workouts in the park and they’ve always been the most popular with my clients.  It’s not often that you can actually do a full out sprint that lasts more than the quick few seconds it takes you to chase for a bus or are limited by space in a gym Studio, but in the park there are wide open fields to really open up the lungs and stretch out legs! Even a slower paced walk can get challenging as you walk up and down hills on a park hike.  And stretching  while under the warm sun and feeling the breeze blow will beat out a stretch in a sweaty, stale air gym any day! So the next time you start to feel like breaking out of the same old routine, remember what your mother used to say and go play outside.

 

As a quick bio, “ Mike led bootcamp workouts in Central Park through Neighborhood Trainers and Living Social. He was so passionate about his outdoor workouts that he got certified as an official NYC Sightseeing guide and started Fit Tours NYC, a fitness company that caters (but is not limited) to business traveling fitness enthusiasts offering outdoor workouts in and throughout Central Park.  This Season, Fit Tours NYC will offer discounted packages to locals who want to take advantage of outdoor workouts.