Simple Fitness: Backyard Workouts

Add the spirit of play to your workout by taking it to the backyard.
Many people consider themselves to be non-athletic because they didn’t play organized sports. Team sports participation isn’t required to find personal athleticism.

Ted Spiker likes to have variety and a sense of fun in his workouts. To this end, he set up an obstacle course in his backyard for fitness.

A backyard workout with objects provides plenty of variety. Nature has innate inclines and varied terrain. Trees are great for climbing. Some objects can be used for lifting, throwing, and balancing.

Invite friends to join your backyard workout to increase the fun. Take turns suggesting activities that take advantage of your surroundings.

Listen as Ted joins host Lisa Davis to discuss how he’s found success with backyard workouts.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 1
  • Audio File: talk_fitness/tft030.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Ted Spiker, Ironman Competitor
  • Guest Facebook Account: www.facebook.com/ted.spiker
  • Guest Twitter Account: @ProfSpiker
  • Guest Bio: Ted-SpikerTed Spiker is the chair of the department of journalism at UF. He teaches Advanced Magazine Writing and Sports Media & Society, as well as other magazine and writing courses.

    Spiker, who was an editor at Men’s Health before coming to UF, has had hundreds of stories published (primarily about health and fitness) in TIME.com; Esquire.com; Outside; O, The Oprah Magazine; Women's Health; Runner's World; Fortune; and many other magazines and digital platforms.

    Spiker writes the Big Guy Blog for RunnersWorld.com and he is the co-author of about 20 books and the sole author of one book. He was once named by Greatist.com as one of the 100 most influential people in health and fitness, and he was named the 2016-17 Teacher of the Year for the University of Florida.
  • Length (mins): 22:33
  • Waiver Received: No
  • Host: Lisa Davis, MPH