Why It’s Time to Say Goodbye to the Gym
Gyms have had their moment. From the allure of high-tech treadmills to the mirrored walls reflecting our every move, they’ve long been the go-to space for fitness enthusiasts. But let’s be honest – they often feel like temples of self-indulgence. Mirrors everywhere, curated playlists blaring, and a endless focus on image. It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters: moving our bodies, connecting with others, and caring for the world around us.
Now more than ever, it’s time to take fitness outdoors. Not only is getting outside great for your physical and mental well-being, but it’s also an opportunity to give back to the planet. In this post, we’ll explore how ditching the gym can help you embrace sustainable outdoor activities, with a little help from OS Maps, Ordnance Survey’s mapping and route-planner tool on web and app.
The Downside of Gym Culture
Gyms are convenient, but they come with their downsides. Those gleaming walls of mirrors? They encourage a “me-first” mindset, emphasizing appearances over holistic health. And while we’re sweating it out, few of us stop to think about the environmental cost of keeping gyms powered: constant lighting, air conditioning, and energy-intensive machines.
Contrast this with outdoor activities. Instead of staring at a screen or your own reflection, you’re surrounded by the beauty of nature. The energy you expend doesn’t come at a cost to the planet. Plus, outdoor workouts often have built-in benefits for mental health, thanks to fresh air, sunlight, and the grounding effect of being surrounded by trees, water, or wide-open spaces. Read more on The Proven Health Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
The gym’s focus on image doesn’t align with the values many of us now hold dear: sustainability, connection, and balance. So, why not break free from the cycle of gym selfies and embrace something bigger?
The Case for Getting Outside
Science backs up what many of us instinctively know: spending time outdoors is transformative. According to the US’ National Library of Medicine studies, our minds and bodies de-stress in a natural setting increasing feelings of joy and concentration helping us concentrate and focus more effectively. Regular exposure to green spaces reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. Add physical activity to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for improved fitness, better mental health, and a happier you.
But outdoor fitness goes beyond personal gains. When you engage in activities like litter picking or tree planting, you’re not just burning calories – you’re making your community a better place.
Imagine the impact if everyone swapped their treadmill miles for a scenic walk while collecting litter or a weekend spent helping rewild local green spaces. It’s fitness with purpose.
Sustainable Outdoor Activities to Replace Gym Workouts
If you’re ready to trade in your gym membership, here are five rewarding outdoor activities to try:
a) Litter Picking Hikes
Turn your neighbourhood stroll into a clean-up mission. Grab a pair of gloves, a bag, and start collecting rubbish along your route. It’s an easy way to combine movement with meaningful impact. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll also contribute to a cleaner, greener environment. Find a Litter Pick Near You
b) Plogging (Jogging + Litter Picking)
If you want to up your exercise intensity, try ‘Plogging‘. This Scandinavian trend combines jogging with litter picking. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to stay active. Whether you’re running through an urban park or along a country lane, every bit of rubbish you collect makes a difference. Plus, it’s a fantastic group activity – gather friends and make it a weekly habit!
c) Habitat Restoration or Tree Planting
Join a local conservation group and spend a day planting trees or restoring habitats. These activities often involve lifting, digging, and walking – a full-body workout with lasting benefits for the environment. Every sapling planted contributes to cleaner air, improved biodiversity, and a healthier planet. Trees for Cities
d) Wild Swimming or Outdoor Yoga
Trade chlorine-filled pools and studio classes for natural beauty. Wild swimming in lakes or rivers is invigorating and connects you to nature in a deeply personal way. Outdoor yoga, meanwhile, lets you stretch and breathe while surrounded by natural tranquillity. Both activities are free (You Tube is full of yoga videos if you need guidance – try Yoga with Adrienne) and infinitely more inspiring than their indoor counterparts. You might not be directly protecting nature, like litter picking, but the more we connect with it, the more likely we’ll make an effort to care for the environment.
Wild Swimming Safety – Keep safe whilst wild swimming
Yoga With Adriene – YouTube
More amazing ways to ditch the gym and protect nature from our OS Champions:
OS Champion Lisa Wells
I helped set up our Caru Eryri/Care for Snowdonia scheme here and lead groups through the summer months on litter picks, path maintenance and so on. Caru Eryri | Eryri National Park
OS Champion Wildlife Kate Kate MacRae
Big Garden Birdwatch at end of Jan which can also include local green spaces, so can be part of a hike Big Garden Birdwatch
OS Chamion Beth Craigen
We do a lot of litter picking walks with youth clubs in Manchester parks. Also, Trash Free Trails do a lot of work in this space with mountain biking and hiking. Trash Free Trails
OS Champion – Jo Moseley
I beach clean and litter pick on my walks and when I swim or paddleboard. I share the work of 2 Minute Beach Clean. There is an organisation called Planet Patrol that specifically does litter picks on paddleboards. The 2 minute foundation: home Home – Planet Patrol
How OS Maps Makes It Easy to Get Outside and Protect the Environment
Ready to embrace the outdoors but not sure where to start? That’s where OS Maps comes in. This user-friendly app makes exploring the great outdoors accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how:
Discover Routes Near You
Search for walking, running, riding and paddling routes tailored to your location. OS Maps offers everything from urban paths to remote trails, ensuring there’s something for every fitness level.
Customise Your Adventure
Use OS Maps to plan your ideal route. Want a loop trail? Prefer something flat? Looking for a challenge or something easy? The app lets you filter routes based on your preferences, so you can create a sustainable workout that suits you.
Access Offline Maps
Heading somewhere remote? Download maps in advance to stay on track even without signal. It’s perfect for exploring the wild with confidence.
Creating a New Community Spirit Through Outdoor Fitness
One of the joys of outdoor activities is the sense of community they foster. Unlike the solitary experience of a gym workout, being outside encourages connection. Whether you’re joining a litter-picking group, organising a trail-running event, or simply meeting fellow hikers, outdoor fitness builds bonds. Read our post The Benefits of Joining a Group
OS Maps makes it easy to create these shared experiences. Use the app to:
● Fire-up the neighbourhood WhatsApp group and plan group events, like a weekend hike or a neighborhood cleanup day.
● Share routes with friends and inspire them to join your adventures.
● Log your activities and challenge others to top your mileage or litter-picking efforts.
By swapping the gym for the outdoors, you’re not just improving your own health – you’re helping create a more connected, caring community and protecting nature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Community with OS Maps:
1. Download the OS Maps app.
2. Search for routes that align with what you’re looking for: on or off road, circular or point-to-point
3. Bookmark your favorite routes and track your progress.
4. Share your adventures with friends or on social media.
With OS Maps, there’s no excuse not to get outside and start exploring.
Sayonara, Gym – Hello, Outdoors!
It’s time to step away from the mirrors, the screens, and the self-focus of gym culture. Embracing the outdoors offers so much more: better health, a clearer mind, and the chance to make a positive impact on the world around you.
With OS Maps, your outdoor fitness journey is only a few clicks away. Whether you’re hiking, plogging, or picking up litter, every step you take is a step toward a healthier you and a healthier planet. So, say goodbye to the gym and hello to a lifestyle that’s good for you and the Earth.
Start your journey today. Download OS Maps, find your perfect route, and join a movement that’s about more than fitness – it’s about making a difference.
