Get Outside with Tom's Guide this summer

Man drinking from a water bottle while exercising outside surrounded by green trees.

It's that time of year when the nights are longer, the sun is shining and its warmer outside. That's why we're here to help you make the most of the brighter skies and spend time outside, whether you want to run, walk, or work out.

You can run throughout the year, but the late spring/early summer temperatures are more comfortable than the depths of winter, and working out in a park, beach, or in the garden can help you keep cool, even during high-intensity sessions.

Of course, you don't have to exercise to enjoy spending time outside. Even just taking a mindful walk can help boost your wellbeing and reduce stress. So, whatever your goals, we're spending a whole month focusing on how to get outside, move your body, and boost your wellbeing.

Discover new workouts

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Step away from the gym and switch home workouts for these accessible routines that are require little equipment and are ideal for the outdoors. If you can, it's worth picking up a yoga mat and some adjustable dumbbells, but they're not essential. 

• You don't need the gym to build muscle — try this outdoor 15-minute dumbbell workout instead
• Forget the gym — this 30-minute walking workout builds mental strength and boosts your metabolism
• This outdoor core workout will blast your abs in just 5 minutes — no equipment required
• I tried this 10-minute walking exercise every day for a week to build mental strength — here's what happened

Grab the right gear

(Image credit: Future)

You can venture outside without any equipment, but if you're heading out for a longer walk, hike, run, or cycle, you want to be armed with the top gear for support. We've rounded up some of our favorite hiking and trail running essentials, delved into water bottles, and even tested the latest ebikes to get you started. 

• 7 hiking gear essentials I recommend for the ultimate outdoor adventure
• These are my 5 trail running essentials for your next outdoor adventure
• I ditched my old water bottle for the Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle — here's why I'm not going back
• I tried to ride Trek’s new ebike up the steepest hill in Seattle — and it didn’t go as planned
• I raced 10K in the Nike Vaporfly 4% to see how the original carbon shoe compares to today’s racers — here’s what I learned
• I switched my Converse for the Helly Hansen Coastal Hiker boots — here’s why I’m not going back
• How to store your ski and snowboard gear in the offseason like a pro

Keep tabs on your progress

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Future)

If you like to record your running route, track your steps, or keep connected on the go, investing in a fitness tracker or smartwatch can help. We've put some popular models to the test, comparing the results while running and walking, and rounded up some of favorite durable options for outdoor adventures. 

• I ran a 2:27 marathon using the Garmin Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — which is better?
• I walked 5,500 steps with the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Polar Grit X2 Pro — here’s the winner
• I walked 5,800 steps with the Polar Grit X2 Pro and G-Shock Move — here’s the winner
• Garmin's energy gel reminders have changed the way I fuel for long runs — here's how to set them up
• 5 outdoor adventure-ready smartwatches I recommend for tracking summertime fun
• I walked 5K+ steps with the G-Shock Move and Polar Grit X2 Pro— here's the winner

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