It’s a challenge to engage in all of the components of a Balanced Exercise Program. Lack of time is the main reason we don’t do what is necessary to improve our strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.

One way to exercise more efficiently is to exercise outdoors instead of in the gym. Why? Because when we exercise outside, we do more than one type of exercise at a time. Without necessarily knowing it, when we exercise outside, we improve our balance along with our endurance and strength.

The reason is that exercises like walking on uneven ground, jogging on the sidewalk, riding a bike, and cross-country skiing improve balance more than riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill. Sitting while exercising on a weight machine improves strength, but it does nothing to improve balance. Hiking up and down hills improves both strength and balance.

My wife and I live in a condo where a lot of people exercise in a gym on cardio equipment. On sunny days, I am sometimes tempted to interrupt exercisers and suggest they go outside and enjoy the benefits of two types of exercise for the same amount of time, while enjoying some sunshine all the while.

Gyms are good when the weather is bad, but here in northern California, that is not often the case. Plus, exercise outside is more fun.