Outdoor activities are refreshing, energizing, and fun. If you normally work out indoors, try going green for next week. While it’s nice to have the option of using machines, nothing beats mixing it up with a change of scenery, plus the added benefits of feeling more revitalized and de-stressed than exercising indoors. Here are some ideas to help you burn calories and save electricity:

• Jump rope outside
• Go rock climbing — ascending a rock face will force you to use big muscle groups and work on upper-body strength
• Pick up a racquet — a 20-minute game of outdoor racquet ball is a super stress buster
• Grab a map and go for a hike — get vertical and tackle an uphill trail.

Whatever activity you pick, make sure you have the right gear and know basic safety if it’s a new sport to you. You might just find that going green is a great way to shake things up and have fun while getting fit.