May 18

The Best Outdoor Cardio Workouts

Published: 05-18-2023 | 1 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas

The weather is warming up in DFW so now is the perfect time to dust off your cardio gear and get some outdoor exercise! Exercising outdoors is one the best things you can do for your body. It gives your body much-needed fresh air and vitamin D, especially if you work in an office all day.

Cardio workouts benefit your heart, brain, joints, and muscles regardless of age, weight, or athletic ability. Cardio helps you lose weight, increase your strength and stamina, strengthens your heart, clears your arteries, and can keep illness away. Just 30-45 minutes of brisk walking daily gives your body what you need.

Here are some local suggestions on how to get in a fun cardio workout outside in the Dallas/Fort Worth area:

Hiking

Hiking is a good way to not only get physical exercise but also improve your mental health.

Arbor Hills Nature Center in Plano
Cedar Ridge Preserve in Cedar Hill
Eagle Mountain Park in Fort Worth
North Shore Trail at Grapevine Lake
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
Trinity River Audubon Center in South Dallas

Jogging/Walking

You always hear the benefits of running, but jogging and walking are just as good for you!

Turtle Creek Park
Katy Trail
Trinity Skyline Trail
Vitruvian Park

Cycling/Biking

Getting on a bike improves joint mobility, posture, muscle, and bone strength.

Lake Carolyn Trail – 3 mi
Frisco Mountain Bike Trail – 8 mi
White Rock Lake – 9 mi
River Legacy Park in Arlington – 10 mi
Northshore Trail in Flower Mound – 23 mi

Swimming

Swimming helps keep you lean, strengthens your lungs, improves heart health and brain power, AND can help you sleep!

Bachman Indoor Pool
Duncanville Natatorium
Robson & Lindley Aquatics Center at SMU
White Rock YMCA

Kayaking/Rowing

Kayaking and rowing improve the strength of your back, arms, shoulders, and chest.

Lake Lewisville
Lake Arlington
Joe Pool Lake
Lake Ray Hubbard

Beach Volleyball

If you think cardio on a solid surface is hard, try it in the sand! Grab some friends and play a game of beach volleyball to burn calories, improve hand-eye coordination, and tone your muscles.