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Tips for Building an Outdoor Workout Routine. Associated Press recently spoke with experts about the benefits of exercising outside compared to in the gym. Spending time in nature has long been known to improve both physical and mental well-being, similarly to the known effects of regular exercise. According to Debbie Rhea, a professor in kinesiology at Texas Christian University, the combination of the two doubles down on what helps keep adults healthy. "We've got to get outside. We've got to be active. If we're going to live long lives, this is what it's about.", Debbie Rhea, professor in kinesiology at Texas Christian University, Colorado, via Associated Press. Connie Sciolino, founder of the Alpine Training Center in Boulder, Colorado, suggests that those looking to start an outdoor workout routine look back to activities they used to enjoy. People who enjoy hiking or biking could use that to build an aerobic base by taking longer and longer walks or rides. Once that becomes easy, Sciolino suggests increasing the intensity of those workouts to build strength. "If jogging is their main activity, I would send them to bleachers or do some up-down on stairs, either in sprint format or put a pack on their back.", Connie Sciolino, founder of the Alpine Training Center in Boulder, Colorado, via Associated Press. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, one-third of park agencies have outdoor exercise equipment, ranging from pull-bars to rowing machines. This equipment, combined with body weight exercises like push-ups and squats, can help you build a complete outdoor workout routine. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT