No gym required: Nine ways to get a killer body outdoors

There’s nothing like a steep incline to get your heart racing, and if you’re rewarded with a killer view at the top then it makes the challenging run worthwhile. Barrenjoey Lighthouse is 91m above Palm Beach and is short enough (2.3km) that you could do it twice.

An hour’s run at the local park is okay, but why settle for an episode when you can have a feature film? If you’re already a decent hiker, lock in on a multi-day walk. From the rugged Snowy Mountains to the lush rainforests of Northern NSW and the South Coast’s idyllic beaches, there’s so many great options to choose from across the state. Check out this guide to find the walk that’s right for you.

A lot of us work out so we can look good naked, so why not literally work your way to a nudist beach? An hour away from Sydney, at the bottom of Royal National Park, is a 4km return track to Werrong naturists beach, with some glute-flexing hill climbs en route. The water is wildly unpredictable and the rips can get so strong that swimming’s not permitted here. Stay safe and let it all hang out while you splash in the shallows and celebrate your newfound freedom. 

Don’t wait for the fun runs: organise one yourself and get your mates to hold you accountable (they say this is the best way to reach your fitness goals). Get a few friends together, find a coastal track of at least 10km, make an upbeat playlist and hit the road. Let’s call it destination running. The challenging and panoramic 10km loop from Spit Bridge to Manly works well. Or if you’re on the south side of town, try the Curra Moors track.

If you’re a keen but unseasoned hiker and can’t face the prep for a multi-dayer, there are some epic mini-adventure tour companies that will do the heavy lifting for you. Check out these guided options for our spectacular NSW Great Walks, which range from pack-free hikes to fully-catered experiences and offer an easy entry into the world of multi-day hiking. Before you know it you’ll be interval training on your commute to work and lunging in the coffee queue.

Kayaking is hands-down one of the best ways to get fit (think the rowing machine at the gym), and you can do it so easily all around Sydney. We hate to sound like Michelle Bridges, but you can actually burn around 400 calories an hour with all that paddling, and your core, biceps and forearms get a furious toning. There’s over a hundred awesome kayaking locations to choose from in NSW national parks, but brush up on your paddling safety before you go.

When it comes to getting fit, SUP-ing (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is where it’s at. This water sport will turns your core into a rockface that can rival any climbing course. It’s a great way to explore the NSW coast’s inlets and estuaries, too. Manly, South Head, Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven and Beowa National Park are all great options, but any calm stretch of coastline will do.

Strength in numbers, right? Get your pals together for a girl-gang workout in nature. There’s a bunch of guided options to choose from in NSW national parks, from hiking and yoga retreats with gourmet meals provided (it’s called balance), to epic 4-day treks.

Cycling means great legs and a pert booty, but spin classes are uninspiring at best. The wild scenery and fresh air of the outdoors will have you pushing longer and farther, and there are stacks of paths near the city worth cycling that won’t cost you a cent. A popular one near the Sydney is the La Perouse Loop, which finds its turning point at La Perouse and Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Other options include the Hanging Rock and Mount Banks cycling tracks in the Blue Mountains, or, if you’re more into mountain biking, you can try the purpose-built trails at Gahnia and Serrata in Garigal National Park.