Staying fit through the summer: outdoor workouts with a holiday feel

When summer calls, your body responds. It wants to move. To feel. To be free. And preferably outdoors. Right now is the perfect time to combine fitness and nature – with outdoor workouts that are not only challenging but also rewarding.

Outdoor fitness isn’t just a passing fad. It’s a way of life. Whether on holiday, at the weekend or between appointments – being active in nature gives us what we often miss in everyday life: fresh air, a sense of space and a connection to the earth. And that’s precisely why it makes so much sense to spend the best weeks of the year being active and mindful.

It’s not an ‘either/or’ situation – not ‘outdoors instead of the gym’, but ‘outdoors as well’. A balance, an adventure, a change of pace. And sometimes: pure magic.

When you exercise outdoors, something happens that goes far beyond physical activity. You breathe more deeply and more consciously. Your senses come alive, your gaze widens, and your body reacts instinctively to the wind, the light and the uneven ground. It’s as if every cell understands: this is natural. This is good for me.

Exercising in the fresh air not only activates your muscles, but your entire system as well. Even just a few minutes outdoors increase oxygen uptake, which boosts energy production in the cells – you feel more alert, clearer-headed and more focused. At the same time, your body begins to release more endorphins. These so-called ‘happiness hormones’ act like a natural antidepressant – so it’s no wonder that a workout in the great outdoors often feels less like a chore and more like a sense of freedom.

And then there’s nature itself: the colours, the light, the sounds. Studies show that simply seeing trees, water or wide open landscapes has a positive effect on our stress levels. Blood pressure drops, your pulse slows down, and mental tension eases. Those who exercise outdoors regularly also benefit mentally in the long term: Concentration improves, emotional wellbeing 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 who is constantly providing new stimuli. Whilst we usually perform controlled, linear movements at the gym, nature challenges us with changing terrain, small obstacles and variable ground conditions. This not only builds strength and endurance, but also trains our deep muscles, coordination and reaction times. Every step becomes a small challenge – and that is precisely what makes the training so effective.

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

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill training plan, but a selection of tried-and-tested, varied exercises – adaptable to any fitness level and suitable for doing anywhere.

Training in the summer heat can be challenging – but with the right strategies, it can also be really beneficial.

Whether in the mountains, by a lake or on the coast – hotelsINshape.com showcases a selection of hotels that harmoniously combine fitness, health and adventure. Many of our partner hotels offer:

The combination of fresh air, exercise, sweeping views and a connection with nature has a positive effect on both body and soul. Outdoor fitness brings not only improved performance, but also a sense of lightness. Not just power, but perspective. Not just training – but a genuine zest for life.