The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Exercise

Many people have a strong preference for either indoor or outdoor exercise spaces. Some will only go to indoor facilities, while others enjoy nothing more than exercising in the great outdoors! Wherever you find the motivation to exercise, just remember that both options can be valuable and beneficial to your health and well-being.

If you are looking for an exercise that will challenge your body and skills, you may prefer to go outdoors in the environment of your choice. However, if you are just looking to stay as fit and healthy as possible in your everyday life, an indoor space might be more suitable. Inside exercise may not always provide the same results as an outside workout, but it still provides members with a variety of workouts that can easily be done in the comfort of the warm indoors. It is important to highlight that choosing an indoor or outdoor space does not have to be black and white; you can mix and match after all!

So what are the differences between indoor and outdoor exercise? It is important to begin by firstly exploring the variances between an indoor and outdoor space, and then breaking down the differences between an indoor exercise and an outdoor one.

Indoor Spaces and Exercise 

1. Vary in size and open area

Indoor spaces can vary greatly depending on the establishment, but they usually consist of a large area where people can go to perform different exercises. Whether it be a local fitness club, fitness center, or even a local mall, indoor spaces usually provide open space and lots of equipment to work on different muscles. Since they can be large and open, indoor spaces often provide access to numerous classes in one place so that you can exercise with a partner. Regardless of the type of establishment you choose to do your exercises in, remember to make sure, that you are getting the most out of it. Doing so can help you to reach your fitness goals more quickly and easily.

2. No need to worry about the weather

Indoor exercise is often carried out in gyms or small businesses that cater to those who want to work out in a friendly environment. One of the main advantages is that they provide an enclosed space where members do not need to worry about unpredictable weather or sun exposure. If you live in an area that does not have many outdoor workout options, utilizing your nearest indoor workout space can be a great way for you to stay fit and healthy! Depending on your schedule or fitness lifestyle you may not always have access to the gym or space where you can go for a run. Luckily, there is an abundance of options to stay fit and healthy at home. You can choose plenty of exercise options that can be done at home.

3. Contain different types of exercise equipment

Indoor spaces are often thought to be more convenient than outdoor spaces when it comes to exercise because they usually require less planning and preparation on the part of the user. They can provide many different types of exercise equipment so that you can find what you need to help get your heart rate up and your body moving. A typical indoor space will offer cycling machines, treadmills, weight machines, other cardio machines elliptical and stair machines, free weights, and more. This will allow the user to simply go to space and start exercising without a second thought.

4. Comprise a consistent exercise routine

Additionally, indoor exercise often comprises a more consistent workout routine that can be done once or twice a week. Outdoor exercises can be more challenging and may provide more relevant results over time, but they also may not be the best option for people who have less free time or need more structure. There may be significant limitations regarding the types of activities you can do in an indoor space. If you visit a gym that only has exercise equipment such as treadmills and weights, you are restricted to only using those machines for your workout.

5. Limit the versatility of workouts

While some indoor exercise areas are large, some can also be quite small. As a result, if you want to perform certain activities such as weightlifting, you may have to wait for the next available station. However, if you attend an outdoor space such as a field during non-peak hours of the day, then there is little chance that you will have to wait at all! Though the size of these indoor spaces certainly limits the versatility of workouts, they do allow for a supportive environment that helps new members adjust to exercise routines more easily. Some larger indoor spaces do contain a larger variety of specialist equipment and resources, such as a running track, plyometric, or gymnastic training areas.

Outdoor Spaces and Exercise

1. Offer freedom of choice

Outdoor spaces can include a multitude of different areas, including fields, parks, even the beach! There are so many different outdoor spaces across the world that it is often hard to determine what they would consist of from region to region. However, outdoor spaces usually offer more freedom in terms of choice and flexibility of activity than indoor spaces do. An outdoor space is usually a large area that people can use for exercise and a multitude of fitness activities.

2. Pursue exercise without limitations

The main benefit of going outdoors to exercise is that there are no limitations except for your imagination! You can run, walk, cycle, hike, swim, or just about anything else you want so long as the environment can cater to it. If you have a dog, take it for a walk through the forest or around your friendly neighborhood.

While not as structured as indoor exercise spaces, outdoor spaces are in many cases specifically designed as well for those who wish to spend their time pursuing fitness goals in an outdoor setting. Examples of outdoor workout facilities can range from aerobics classes in the park to running tracks at a local high school. While you can also do some cardiovascular exercises indoors, such as running or cycling, there are numerous benefits for doing the same activities outdoors as nature intended.

3. Enjoy the environment and socialize

Working out outside can also create a more enjoyable environment for the active individual. Working in a gym or an indoor setting can be boring and repetitive. Outdoor fitness spaces are often more invigorating because they allow the member to interact with their surroundings. There is always something new to see, and it is not always so monotonous or predictable. The sights, sounds, and smells of an outside environment provide a natural “high” that many cannot get with exercise alone.

While it may not be as crowded with people outside, the social aspects of exercising outdoors are often greatly overlooked. When you go for an outdoor run, you have the chance to meet new people and make friends along the way! You can also partake in different outdoor activities with new people through community groups or clubs and explore the area more.

4. Expose to the elements

Funnily enough, the main disadvantage of exercising outdoors is unpredictability while an indoor space has limitations, they are predictable. You will not know what to expect when engaging in outdoor exercise, which can positive and negative. Additionally, it is important to remember that you will likely be exposed to the elements, including rain or snow in colder climates. Depending on your preference for heat and humidity levels, this may be a major deterrent.

5. Pose a threat to your safety

The outdoors is also at times a much more dangerous environment than an indoor gym. When exercising outdoors, there are numerous flora and fauna that can pose a threat to your safety. You may be bitten by a tick or stung by a wasp, or you might slip on mud or puddle water. Other animals such as birds or deer may also be present, so it is advisable to always keep an eye on your surroundings. Therefore, it is extremely important that you always exercise safely and not push your limits too much. If you are not careful, outdoor elements or other external factors can result in injury quite easily!

It is important to remember that there are more factors at play when exercising outside rather than inside of a space, such as air and noise pollution from cars or construction sites nearby. There will always be something trying to bring down your workout but the question is whether you allow it to. When choosing the types of exercises, you need to consider the difference between indoor and outdoor space.