It’s the last day of our theme which we’ve dedicated to the great outdoors. This week, we have covered the best picnic sites in Ontario, the best beaches in Ontario, the best scenic destinations in Ontario, and the best extreme events in Ontario. Today, we’re switching it up and giving you five great Outdoor Workout Tips for the summer. The outdoors is a great place to work out, especially when doing activities pertaining to physical therapy. If you’re looking to build endurance, stamina, or restore function in your body, try these workout tips!

Hill Sprints

Toronto is a city with many hills such as the steep hills located in Riverdale Park or the several dozen hills located in High Park. Find a hill and sprint up and down, an exercise regularly done amongst football players, soccer players and many other athletes. This exercise is essential for building muscles in the hips, legs and feet. Physiotherapists recommend hill sprints for those looking to improve on their athletic performance or overall fitness.

Park Bench Step-Ups

We understand that the gym routine may become tiresome after a while which is why we recommend using free outdoor equipment. Almost all parks are equipped with benches or picnic tables and you can use this equipment to your fitness advantage. As opposed to using the Stairmaster, get out and step up repeatedly on a park bench. This exercise is safe and will strengthen the calves and hips, which is great for injury prevention.

Beach Runs

Running barefoot on the concrete or ground is unsafe due to the increased risk of stress fractures. While Running Barefoot is not recommended for most surfaces, running barefoot in the sand is perfectly safe. Find a nearby beach and start running on the sand; this will force your legs to become stronger. For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, degenerative joints or other conditions which may affect running; a custom brace may help alleviate the pain, allowing you to run freely!

Swimming

The City of Toronto has some spectacular swimming pools including the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre which is partially owned and operated by the city. What does this mean? Free drop-in programs! Take advantage of the numerous free programs the city has to offer and get a workout in the pool. For those of you who suffer from arthritis or chronic pain, aquatic therapy is a great workout due to the fact that there is no stress on the joints.

Yoga or Pilates in the Park

Yoga and Pilates are a great exercise for those who are seeking stress relief so why not do it in the sun!  Almost all of the city parks have plenty of space for you to lay down your mat and soak up the Vitamin D. Yoga and Pilates are recommended by healthcare professionals for those who need to manage chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. Take advantage of the sun and get out to a park where you can stretch, breathe, and feel an overall sense of happiness.

If you’re suffering from chronic conditions such as anxiety or insomnia then please visit a HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic near you or call (416) 431-4000. Trained health care professionals will give you the treatment you deserve. If you suffer from chronic pain, we will provide a tailored treatment plan designed to improve your overall quality of life. Visit us today and remember that consultations are free!

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