Fit through the summer: outdoor workouts with a holiday feeling

When summer calls, your body answers. It wants to move. To feel. To be free. And preferably outside. Now is the perfect time to combine fitness and nature - with outdoor workouts that not only challenge you, but also fulfil you.

Outdoor fitness is not a fad. It is a way of life. Whether on holiday, at the weekend or between two appointments - exercise in nature gives us what we often miss in everyday life: fresh air, vision, grounding. And that's exactly why it makes sense to actively and consciously organise the most beautiful weeks of the year.

It's not a question of "either or" - not outdoor instead of the gym, but outdoor in addition. A balance, an adventure, a change. And sometimes: pure magic.

When you train outside, something happens that goes far beyond physical exercise. You breathe more deeply, more consciously. Your senses switch on, your vision widens, your body reacts instinctively to wind, light and bumps. It's as if every cell understands: This is natural. This is good for me.

Exercise in the fresh air not only activates the muscles, but also our entire system. Just a few minutes outside increases oxygen uptake, which boosts energy production in the cells - you feel more alert, clearer and more focussed. At the same time, your body starts to release more endorphins. These so-called happiness hormones act like a natural antidepressant - so it's no wonder that a workout in the countryside often feels less like a chore and more like freedom.

And then there's nature itself: The colours, the light, the sounds. Studies show that the mere sight of trees, water or vast landscapes has a positive effect on our stress levels. Blood pressure drops, the heart rate calms down and mental tension decreases. People who regularly exercise outdoors also benefit psychologically in the long term: their ability to concentrate increases, their emotional well-being stabilises and even symptoms of exhaustion or inner restlessness can be noticeably reduced.

Another, often underestimated effect: the diversity of the natural environment acts like a personal trainer, constantly providing new stimuli. While we usually complete controlled, linear movement sequences in the gym, nature challenges us with changing terrain, small obstacles and variable ground conditions. This not only trains our strength and endurance, but also our deep muscles, coordination and ability to react. Every step becomes a small challenge - and that's exactly what makes the training so effective.

Outdoor workouts are therefore not just a change from everyday life. They are a gift to your body and mind. They remind you that fitness is not just about equipment, numbers and progress plans - but about the pure feeling of being alive.

This is not a run-of-the-mill training plan, but a selection of tried and tested, varied forms of exercise - adaptable to any fitness level and can be done anywhere.

Exercising in the summer heat can be challenging - but with the right strategies it can also be really good for you.

Whether mountain region, lakeshore or coastline - hotelsINshape.com presents selected hotels that harmoniously combine fitness, health and experience. Many of our partner hotels offer:

The combination of fresh air, exercise, far-reaching views and closeness to nature has a positive effect on body and soul. Outdoor fitness not only gives you performance, but also lightness. Not just power, but perspective. Not just training - but real joie de vivre.