Virtual Hikes, Bike Rides, Runs You Can Play at the Gym
These Videos Let You Walk, Hike, or Bike Through Scenic Routes Without Leaving the Gym
Running outside just isn't for me. Sure, I'll take part in my family's annual Turkey Trot 5K and, on rare occasion, pound the pavement around my neighbourhood — weather permitting — but the treadmill is more my style even if I have to find ways to keep it interesting. (Netflix, anyone?)
One of the great things I loved about the Peloton Tread when I was given the opportunity to test it out, was the option to do "free runs" without following along to the live or on-demand workouts. Instead, you could choose a scenic route to put on the screen, and you'd stride in front of prerecorded footage through the streets of cities like NYC and Morzine, France. You were moving through the outdoors inside. (Picture videos from a GoPro.) But, even if you don't have a Peloton Tread, there are other ways you can sweat it out around the world from the comfort of your home or local gym.
Ahead, check out virtual bikes, hikes, and runs prerecorded and ready for you to stream while doing cardio. Some are as short as 30 minutes and others are over an hour in length (one is even two hours!), but don't feel like you need to bike, walk, or run for the entirety of the longer videos; they'll simply give you something nice to look at while you're on the move. Most of these also have music, so you don't have to worry about trying to listen to your favourite songs outside of the YouTube app (typically, you're unable to play both Spotify and a YouTube video at the same time).
Pull the videos up on your phone or iPad (keep another device handy if you don't like the music and want to also listen to a different playlist simultaneously). The bigger the screen, the more immersed you'll probably feel into the scenery and the easier it'll be to play pretend. Because, if you love being outside but can't always make it there, these are the next best thing.
