3 Outdoor HIIT Workouts for Spring

The weather might not be exactly tropical just yet in London, but Spring is finally here and the days are getting a little bit lighter and warmer. After a cold, dark winter it seems a shame to waste the sun, and the idea of heading to the gym after a long day in the office is even less tempting than usual. So instead of missing out on that much needed Vitamin D, give one of these 3 outdoor HIIT workouts a go this Spring and get fit outside instead. Not only will the fresh air do you the world of good, but it’ll save you money on that expensive gym membership too. Don’t be fooled into thinking these simple workouts will be a walk in the park - skipping the gym has never made you fitter!

Sprints

Get back to basics and use your body in the way it was designed for. When you’re short on time or don’t have access to a gym, there is no excuse for skipping your workout when doing some sprints is so simple and so effective. All you need is a nearby hill, football field or pathway to run down as fast as you can, stopping briefly after each sprint to catch your breath. It might seem easy in theory, but push yourself to your max and this functional, high intensity workout can be one of the most brutal. Your burning lungs will be worth it when you realise how quickly your fitness is improving.

Bodyweight Exercises

Just because it’s sunny outside and the park is more appealing than the gym, doesn’t mean that you have to skip your strength training session. By using bodyweight exercises you’ll not only improve your cardiovascular fitness but you’ll also increase your muscular strength at the same time - how’s that for multi-tasking? Exercises like squat jumps, press ups, jumping lunges, mountain climbers and burpees are excellent at working several muscle groups at the same time, giving your workout more bang for your buck! Try completing 1 minute rounds, with 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest until you’ve done 20-30 minutes. If you haven’t collapsed into a sweaty, exhausted heap by the end, then you’re not pushing yourself hard enough!

Skipping

Skipping might still be remembered as the playground game from our childhood, but a simple skipping rope workout shouldn’t be confused with child’s play. Used by many top athletes and particularly popular with boxers, it will test your coordination, agility and fitness levels all at the same time. Complete high intensity rounds of skipping with short periods of rest or even interchange rounds of skipping with bodyweight exercises for a brutal full body workout - this one is not for the faint-hearted!