Sporting in nature offers many benefits to physical and mental health. In addition to improving physical fitness, outdoor exercise allows you to reconnect with nature, reduce stress and enjoy a more rewarding experience in a closed environment. Here is a selection of the best outdoor sports to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
1. Hiking (Hiking)
The hiking is one of the most accessible and healthy sports. Whether you're taking a simple walk in the forest or hiking in the mountains, this activity helps strengthen your legs muscles, improve cardiovascular endurance, and reduce stress.
Benefits:
- Muscle strengthening and improved endurance.
- Reducing stress and improving mental health through immersion in nature.
- Accessible at all levels, adaptable to the difficulty of the route.
Where to practice:
The National parks, the forests, the mountain trails or natural reserves are perfect for hiking.
2. Mountain Bike (Mountain Bike)
The mountain bike combines cardio and muscle building while offering a good dose of adrenaline. This sport strengthens the muscles of the lower body and works endurance while having fun on technical and varied trails.
Benefits:
- Improvement of cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength of the legs.
- Strengthening balance and coordination.
- Mental stimulation through adrenaline and journey challenges.
Where to practice:
Look for trails suitable for cycling in local parks or forests, or join mountain biking clubs to discover specific routes.
3. Running in nature (Trail Running)
The trail running is a variant of running on natural terrains such as forest, mountain or country trails. Running in the wild requires more effort than running on the road due to irregular terrain, which allows to work more muscle groups.
Benefits:
- Reinforcement of stabilizing muscles thanks to rough terrain.
- Improved endurance, coordination and balance.
- Reduced stress and better mental well-being thanks to the natural environment.
Where to practice:
The forests, National parks and mountain areas are ideal places to practice trail running.
4. Rock Climbing
Lescalation outdoors is a complete sport that appeals to the whole body. By climbing cliffs or rocks, you work both your strength, your flexibility, and your balance. In addition, climbing also stimulates the mind, as it requires concentration and planning for each movement.
Benefits:
- Muscle strengthening, including arms, legs and back.
- Improved flexibility, balance and coordination.
- Developing concentration and self-confidence.
Where to practice:
Natural climbing sites exist in many areas. It is important to start with a guide or climbing club if you start.
5. Canoe-kayak
The canoeing-kayak is an outdoor sport that allows you to work your endurance and your force while exploring lakes, rivers or the sea. It particularly solicits upper body muscles (shoulders, arms, abdominals) and helps develop cardiovascular endurance.
Benefits:
- Reinforcement of arms, shoulders and trunk.
- Improved cardiovascular endurance.
- Mental soothing by slipping on water and being surrounded by nature.
Where to practice:
Lakes, rivers and coastal areas are the best places to practice canoeing or kayaking.
6. Surfing
The surfing is an ideal outdoor sport for those who love aquatic activities and challenges. In addition to working the strength of the legs and trunk to keep standing on the board, surfing improves the balance and offers a real feeling of freedom in communion with the sea.
Benefits:
- Strengthening the whole body, including legs, trunk and shoulders.
- Improving balance and coordination.
- Release of stress and development of patience and perseverance.
Where to practice:
The beaches with good waves, including surf spots, are the best places to practice this sport. Surf schools also offer classes for beginners.
7. Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
The Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a freshwater or sea sport that takes place on a large board using a paddle. This activity strengthens the trunk, arms and legs, while improving balance and providing a feeling of serenity.
Benefits:
- Reinforcement of abdominals, shoulders and legs.
- Improving balance and coordination.
- Relaxation and connection with nature.
Where to practice:
The lakes, the quiet riversand the coastal areas are perfect for Stand Up Paddle.
8. Nordic March
The Nordic march is a dynamic version of the classic walk that uses specific sticks to engage the upper body. This activity improves endurance and involves several muscle groups at a time, including arms, shoulders, abdominals and legs.
Benefits:
- Strengthening of upper and lower body muscles.
- Improved coordination and endurance.
- Accessible at all levels, with a low load on the joints.
Where to practice:
The parks, forests and Country roads are ideal places for Nordic walking.
9. Ice Climbing
For those who love strong sensations,Ice climbing is an intense activity that appeals to the whole body and requires great concentration. By climbing ice walls with pins and crampons, you strengthen your mind and muscles while living an adventure in nature.
Benefits:
- Overall body strengthening, especially of arms, shoulders and trunk.
- Improved endurance and concentration.
- Developing self-confidence and stress management.
Where to practice:
The mountain regions and National parks in winter offer perfect spots for ice climbing, subject to proper training.
10. Snow Racket
The Snowshoeing is a great way to stay active in winter. It is a low impact activity that allows you to work endurance and to tone your legs, while providing a peaceful and immersive experience in the snowy landscapes.
Benefits:
- Strengthening of the legs and improving cardiovascular endurance.
- Low impact on joints, perfect for all ages.
- Mental relaxation in nature.
Where to practice:
The snow-covered forests, National parks and mountain resorts are perfect for snowshoeing.
Summary table of the best outdoor sports for a healthy lifestyle
| Sport | Main benefits | Where to practice |
|---|---|---|
| Randonnée | Endurance, muscle building, stress reduction | Forests, parks, mountains |
| Mountain bike | Leg strengthening, balance, cardio | Mountain trails, parks |
| Trail running | Endurance, strengthening stabilizing muscles, reducing stress | Forest trails, mountains |
| Climbing | Strength, flexibility, concentration | Natural sites of climbing |
| Canoe-kayak | Arm and trunk strengthening, cardiovascular endurance | Lakes, rivers, coasts |
| Surfing | Strengthening legs and trunk, improving balance | Beaches with waves |
| Stand Up Paddle | Toughening, balance, relaxation | Lakes, rivers, coasts |
| Nordic March | Comprehensive strengthening, improved endurance and coordination | Parks, country roads |
| Ice climbing | Global strengthening, concentration, self-confidence | Snowy mountains |
| Snow Racket | Cardiovascular endurance, low impact on joints | Mountains, snow forests |
These outdoor sports allow you to stay fit while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of exercise in nature. Whether it is to strengthen your muscles, improve your endurance or simply relax, these activities offer you an excellent opportunity to lead a healthy and dynamic lifestyle.
