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Lose Inches off Your Waist Fast With These Outdoor Exercises, Trainer Says

Outdoor fitness calls for these fun, calorie-burning activities.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

Summer has officially arrived, and the nice weather motivates people to get outside. For many, getting out and active is their main source of exercise, and that's what they'd choose over working out indoors at a gym. If your goal is to shape up your midsection quickly, you can lose inches off your waist fast with these outdoor activities. So whether you're simply tired of exercising indoors or are inspired to get outside in fresh air and start moving around, here are a few moves you can do. Not only will you shape up quickly, but you'll also have so much fun doing it.

Set yourself up with your favorite playlist, and grab a big water bottle. It's so easy to incorporate a few of these plans into your weekly routine by yourself or with a friend. Get ready to burn calories and lose inches off your waist. Check out these ideas below, and next up, don't miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Hiking in Elevation

woman doing uphill hike, exercise to lose inches off your waist
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Summer is filled with so many hiking trails and parks that are open to the public to trek through. Going on hikes is a great way to be outdoors in nature, get in much-needed steps, burn calories, and improve your heart health and conditioning. Whether you plan this with a buddy or your best furry friend who needs exercise, too, the great outdoors awaits.

If you're seeking an aerobic challenge, I recommend choosing a trail where you're hiking up in elevation. The gains you'll make will force your body to work so much harder and engage all of the muscles in your lower body and lungs at the same time.

Related: Lose Your Gut in Your 40s With 5 Easy Strength Exercises, Trainer Says

Outdoor/Mountain Biking

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If you like biking, then it's time to find a route in your area where you can cycle around, have fun, and put on some serious miles. I recommend picking an area where there's an elevation and you're forced to ride up an incline. This plan will engage your quads, glutes, and calves and provides a killer workout. What will you gain? Your legs will be conditioned, and you'll burn tons of calories in the process. Don't waste time! Grab your helmet and get started having some summer fitness fun.

Hill Sprints

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Performing hill sprints is one of the best ways to burn fat and improve your anaerobic conditioning. They can be done as a standalone workout or a finisher after a long steady-state session.

Find a hill in your local community that you can run up. You'll start at the base and sprint uphill as fast as you can until you reach the top. Once you're all the way up, turn back around, then walk down slow and steady to where you started. Get your heart rate down, and catch your breath. Then, repeat for 3 to 5 rounds.

Related: The #1 Weight Training Workout To Reverse Aging After 40, Trainer Says

Running on the Beach

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If you live near the beach or in an area where there's sand, I recommend running on it. Running on the beach is more challenging because you're working against the resistance of the sand. This engages all of the muscles surrounding the foot and the legs and hips. Start by jogging a short distance, such as ¼ mile, then go into a brisk walk, and repeat again. While you're at it, consider giving barefoot running a try this summer.

Try an Obstacle Course Race

group obstacle course race, exercise to lose inches off your waist
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Obstacle runs are back on trend, and they're a fun way to challenge you from beginning to end. You're outside running for a set distance with lots of obstacles in between which require strength, power, coordination, and flexibility. If you want to break the monotony of just running and really want something more physical, then I recommend signing up for an obstacle course race and giving it your best shot!

Tim Liu, C.S.C.S.
Tim Liu, CSCS, is an online fitness and nutrition coach based in Los Angeles Read more about Tim
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