Outdoor Training

Tyler Touchette

In this article I plan on sharing some of the tools I use with not only my clientele but with myself and some of my friends.

First of all, why train outside? Well the answers are endless. When you live in a climate that allows about 4 good months of outdoor weather you need to take advantage. Outdoor training is extremely fun and extremely versatile. You can train in your backyard, in the woods, in a school yard (monkey bars), and basically anywhere else.

Outdoor training enhances your creativity whether you train people for living, train for a living, or are simply a fitness enthusiast.

Now, even though you do not need equipment to enjoy the great outdoors, I choose to implement a few forms of punishment (I mean equipment).

1. Dragging Sled
2. Sandbag
3. discs or cones
4. soccer ball, Frisbee, or volleyball
5. kettlebells

Now that you know what I use, let me show you how.

The warm up is fun and relaxing. We usually spend around 15 – 20 minutes messing around with the volleyball, soccer ball, football, or Frisbee. Keep in mind, we aren’t playing are hearts out here; we are simply loosening up our joints and preparing for the workout.

So, now that the fun part is over we begin the workout… The structure of the workout is very simple. We usually choose around 4 – 6 exercises and complete around 2 – 3 sets per exercise. After the warm-up, the workout takes about 30 – 40 minutes. When your body is working this hard – it’s all you need. Anything more would usually result in poor technique and overtraining.

Here we go!!

We start the workout with some sled pulls. I will designate a specific distance and all involved will try to make it there with a forward drag and then return with a backward drag.

One of my friends (Andy) performing a rear sled drag.

We like to get the sled out of the way first due to its difficulty. Most average people have a rough time dragging the sled. But then again anyone using a sled is probably not an average person.

Moving on! After 2-3 sets with the sled we grab some water and prepare for the next event. What I have done this time is strategically placed 6 orange discs in the grass about 20 feet apart and on both sides of the field. The exercise is a ‘sandbag melody’.

First you must clean the sandbag and carry it in the zercher position to the first cone. Once you arrive you place the sandbag on the ground and perform a left side drag across to the next cone. From there you clean and press the bag and carry it with arms locked out and sandbag overhead to the next cone. Again you drop the bag and backward drag it to the next cone. Almost done, next we clean it again and carry it on the right shoulder to the second last cone. Finally we switch shoulders and carry it to the final cone. Thought I was done, almost… From the final cone we must crabwalk to the end of the field and then immediately rise up and sprint all the way back to the original starting position.

Tyler attempting to man handle his sandbag!!!

As you can figure out for yourself we are just about finished the workout. With this type of intensity you do not need to do many sets. Most people will throw the towel in after only 1 set, others maybe 2 or 3, and for a real warrior anything beyond.
Like anything to do with exercise, you need to listen to your own body and decide what’s best for you and your very own goals.

Finally, the last exercise for this ‘mini monster’ of a workout… The kettlebell overhead walk!!!

I personally love this exercise. This exercise makes you strong! It’s a great finisher in this style of workout. It’s not the most demanding metabolically but it kicks the crap out of your entire shoulder and abdominal regions.
Make sure of 2 things… 1. The kettlebell needs to be very heavy and 2. Extremely good form (abs tight, standing tall with chest out, etc…)

ROD THE BOD going for distance with the 72 overhead.

Quick points for you to remember.
- Proper form comes first
- Lots of water is a must
- Creativity is king, make up your own workouts using the resources around you.
- Listen to your body, do not compete with the guy next to you, compete only with yourself.

That concludes part 1 to my outdoor training series. Part 2 is on the way. Oh Yeah! Get outside and do something.
About the Author

Tyler Touchette,
www.kettlebelltrainer.ca

Tyler has a deep understanding of the challenges of fitness and has researched countless hours in order to provide the people around him with the opportunity to reach their most sought after goals. Tyler has been involved in th industry for over 10 years and holds many different certifications including; Canadian Kettlebell Instructor, Scientific Core conditioning specialist, Special Popualtions consultant, weight loss coach, and ACE certified personal trainer.

Tyler is available for workshops, private training, group training, and fitness consultations.

For more information contact: (613) 936-2971 or email at ttbigdog@hotmail.com