Originally published on SFExaminer
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by four walls and a treadmill, Peter Embiricos has news for you: some of the best workouts of your life are waiting just outside your front door.
As a dedicated San Diego-based fitness trainer, Peter has witnessed firsthand just how much working out in nature improved his clients’ mental and physical health.
The Power of Fresh Air
The first thing Peter highlights is the benefit of being able to breathe fresh air.
“It might sound basic,” he says, “...but breathing deeply outside helps clear your lungs, lowers stress, and improves blood circulation.”
The air inside gyms traps dust, sweat, and chemical fumes from cleaning products, so your body has to work harder to take in the fresh, clean oxygen it needs.
Peter says that stepping outside fixes that instantly. Fresh air helps your lungs work more efficiently, and delivers more oxygen to your brain and muscles, which makes working out in nature more effective.
Getting Your Vitamin D Quota
Then there’s vitamin D. Peter explains that spending 20 to 30 minutes in sunlight can boost your immune system, improve your mood, and even strengthen your bones.
And those aren’t even the best benefits. Embiricos says that the biggest perk is the mental reset.
On Nature Healing Your Nervous System
“Small experiences like looking at the trees or hearing the birds calms your nervous system and lowers your cortisol levels, which helps you feel more relaxed.”
So you burn calories, fight anxiety, and overcome mental fatigue. It’s a winning formula.
Peter Embiricos’ Tips and Tricks For Outdoor Workouts
“Nature gives you all kinds of built-in equipment,” Peter says. “You’ve got sand, grass, stairs, benches, trails - there’s so much you can use to keep workouts fresh and challenging.”
Use benches or sturdy low walls for step-ups, tricep dips, or elevated push-ups to create a circuit workout, and then repeat that 3-4 times.
One of Peter’s favourite workouts is sand sprints on the beach.
Find a stretch of soft sand about 100 to 150 feet long. Sprint down it at about 80% of your max effort, walk back to recover, then go again for 8 to 10 rounds.
Creating a Balanced Life
Embericos says that real health isn’t only about building muscle or losing inches. “The best way to sustain your health journey is to create a life that’s balanced, resilient, and full of energy.”
Working out in the fresh air, under the shining sun, and conquering the natural terrain, adds a layer of challenge and joy to your routines that’s not just effective, but also deeply rewarding.
So go for it - take your workouts outside and see how much they improve.
About Peter Embiricos:
Peter Embiricos is a fitness trainer in San Diego, California who helps people at every stage of their fitness journey. He’s dedicated to creating customized plans that deliver lasting results, with a strong emphasis on how physical health supports mental well-being.