Summertime heat tends to drive many people into the air-conditioned gyms, but there is no need to fear the outdoors. Phasing in indoor workouts with outdoor exercise can make the transition to the outdoors easier.

According to Tom Roberts, department head of Physical Education, exercisers who have trained inside are better prepared to adapt to outdoor conditions.

“A higher VO2 max, being in better cardiovascular shape, usually lends to quicker heat acclimatization, true for any age,” Roberts said. According to Roberts, acclimatization means that one’s body becomes physiologically more tolerant to exercising in higher temperatures.

Almost all workouts that can be completed inside — minus the machines — can be implemented outside, and it just might persuade the gym junkies to go al-fresco.

“Exercising outdoors is actually more challenging than completing the same workout indoors,” Natalie Freeland, Campus Recreation assistant director of fitness, said. “Hills, wind, terrain, and temperature changes challenge the body, which requires using more energy and muscles to sustain the level of intensity.”

Machines have their place in the gym setting; beneficial for beginners, those needing to work on proper form and isolation exercises.

“Machines don’t allow how we move in real life situations, leading to muscle imbalances and potential injury,” Freeland said. “When exercising outdoors, functional exercises, activities performed everyday, should be the main focus.”

If weight repetitions followed by 30 minutes on the elliptical sounds monotonous, then going outdoors may provide a better option. According to Charlotte Ballentine, group fitness instructor at Campus Recreation, workouts are just as effective, free and can be more fun.

“It’s nice to get a break from the gym and enjoy some fresh air while still being active,” Ballentine said. “As long as you participate in an activity you truly enjoy.”