The answer to the title question is (almost) whatever one likes. So many things can be done outdoors it's almost impossible to list them all. Those who live near both water and mountains have the greatest range of outdoor pursuits available to them, but most folk can take part in a wide variety of outdoor leisure and recreation pursuits just by stepping out their own back doors. One can walk, run or cycle virtually anywhere in the world.
All the keep fit gurus and health trainers tell one to take more exercise to keep fit and ensure that one lives a long, healthy life. That's all very well, but sometimes one doesn't know where to go, or doesn't wish to spend time cooped up indoors, sweating on a treadmill. One doesn't need to either. Whatever the weather, one can take exercise out in the open air and more sociable surroundings.
If one is fortunate to live by open water the opportunities for partaking in water sports are incredible: water ski, surf, fish, row, sail, swim. Whatever one is interested in there are sure to be opportunities available. Digging sandcastles is also good exercise! Mountains and hills offer mountaineering, hill and fell walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and rock scrambling, and winter sports of tobogganing and skiing, which can be done all year round if there is permanent snow or an artificial slope nearby. One can also ice skate on solidly frozen lakes
Ordinary countryside offers opportunities to cycle, camp, walk, run, play games of cricket or football, netball, tennis, bird-watch and many other activities. In some countries exercising outdoors is the norm. In Fremantle WA, a tai chi class sometimes takes place on the green by the Round House, at the end of the High Street. In neighboring Perth, Kings Park has a steep flight of steps called 'Jacob's Ladder'. At any time of the day one can see hundreds of Aussies running up and down this staircase to keep fit.
Many formal parks will have people jogging around the perimeter path, trying to avoid skateboarders and skaters. In the less formal 'countryside park' a hill or two may offer the opportunity to fly a kite. A great number of these activities cost nothing except the initial purchase of equipment. If one joins a club though, there may a be a membership fee. Even on small areas of open space people can manage a kick-about with a football or a spot of bird-watching.
The almost universal outdoor pursuit anyone can do is walking. Apart from a sturdy pair of walking boots and some wet weather gear there is no other outlay. Open the back door and go. Even in the most inclement weather one can find beauties to marvel at.
There are some sensible precautions to take before indulging in outdoor leisure and recreation. Ensure that one obeys any safety rules associated with one's choice of pursuit, and has any equipment needed. Ask before camping on or crossing private land. Many landowners will permit this, but like to be asked if there are no rights of way over the land. Many lakes and rivers are licensed by local authorities or fishing clubs, so one may need a permit from the water bailiff to fish those waters. If a club has exclusive rights then one cannot fish there. Finding out first can save a lot of frustration later, and avoid spoiling one's enjoyment of the great outdoors
All the keep fit gurus and health trainers tell one to take more exercise to keep fit and ensure that one lives a long, healthy life. That's all very well, but sometimes one doesn't know where to go, or doesn't wish to spend time cooped up indoors, sweating on a treadmill. One doesn't need to either. Whatever the weather, one can take exercise out in the open air and more sociable surroundings.
If one is fortunate to live by open water the opportunities for partaking in water sports are incredible: water ski, surf, fish, row, sail, swim. Whatever one is interested in there are sure to be opportunities available. Digging sandcastles is also good exercise! Mountains and hills offer mountaineering, hill and fell walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and rock scrambling, and winter sports of tobogganing and skiing, which can be done all year round if there is permanent snow or an artificial slope nearby. One can also ice skate on solidly frozen lakes
Ordinary countryside offers opportunities to cycle, camp, walk, run, play games of cricket or football, netball, tennis, bird-watch and many other activities. In some countries exercising outdoors is the norm. In Fremantle WA, a tai chi class sometimes takes place on the green by the Round House, at the end of the High Street. In neighboring Perth, Kings Park has a steep flight of steps called 'Jacob's Ladder'. At any time of the day one can see hundreds of Aussies running up and down this staircase to keep fit.
Many formal parks will have people jogging around the perimeter path, trying to avoid skateboarders and skaters. In the less formal 'countryside park' a hill or two may offer the opportunity to fly a kite. A great number of these activities cost nothing except the initial purchase of equipment. If one joins a club though, there may a be a membership fee. Even on small areas of open space people can manage a kick-about with a football or a spot of bird-watching.
The almost universal outdoor pursuit anyone can do is walking. Apart from a sturdy pair of walking boots and some wet weather gear there is no other outlay. Open the back door and go. Even in the most inclement weather one can find beauties to marvel at.
There are some sensible precautions to take before indulging in outdoor leisure and recreation. Ensure that one obeys any safety rules associated with one's choice of pursuit, and has any equipment needed. Ask before camping on or crossing private land. Many landowners will permit this, but like to be asked if there are no rights of way over the land. Many lakes and rivers are licensed by local authorities or fishing clubs, so one may need a permit from the water bailiff to fish those waters. If a club has exclusive rights then one cannot fish there. Finding out first can save a lot of frustration later, and avoid spoiling one's enjoyment of the great outdoors
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