There is so much possibility and so much versatility you can add to your program once you take it outdoors. And you’re likely to find that the benefits of exercising outdoors are far greater than what you’ll find in your home or the gym—hands down.

Here are 9 reasons to get moving outdoors:

It’s free.
Who has the money to spend on a hefty gym membership? Fortunately, there are other options. There’s an amazing gym waiting just outside your door, so forget the fee and save that money for a fabulous new wardrobe.

There is little to no equipment needed.
Finding your way through the maze of machines at the gym can be quite intimidating. The truth is, all you really need to enjoy a great workout outside is a good pair of running shoes, maybe some light weights and some tunes to keep you motivated.

No crowded gyms or obnoxious people.
So you finally drag yourself to the gym, and what do you find? A bunch of broken-down, sweat-soaked or currently occupied exercise machines. Avoid this headache by skipping the gym altogether and, instead, take advantage of the freedom and space of the outdoors.

Vitamin D-enhancing sunshine for your skin.
Even though you can get the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D from various foods, sunshine is still the most significant source. So get out there and revel in the sunshine!

You can workout anytime, anywhere.
Besides gyms being expensive and overcrowded, your crazy schedule might not provide enough time to get to the gym when they’re actually open. Fortunately, both the early bird and the night owl can find time to fit in a workout by visiting the 24-hour gym right outside their door.

Fresh air trumps air conditioning any day.
Maybe you hate the stuffy atmosphere of a crowd of people sweating away those pounds, or maybe you’re one of those people who don’t enjoy an air conditioner turned to the “arctic” setting. Instead, head outdoors and you’ll find an invigorating breath of fresh air that beats the ventilation system in a gym any day.

Nature is quite stunning when you pay attention.
Has anyone ever told you to stop and smell the roses? Maybe your life is so hectic that you barely ever stop to notice the leaves changing during fall, or the colors in a rainbow after a storm. Take the time to look around and marvel at how breathtaking the earth truly is as you explore the outdoors during your workout.

You can burn more calories.
Exercising in a controlled environment does not provide the challenges that you would face outdoors. The ever-changing demands of natural elements and the varied terrain force our bodies to adjust accordingly, oftentimes employing more muscles—which can burn more calories.

It’s more fun!
There’s no denying it: practicing the same routines three to five times a week can get really dull. Why not get off that treadmill and try the real thing? Nothing beats riding a bike, running through forest trails, hiking through the countryside, or climbing a mountain. The list of activities is endless, and you’ll really feel a sense of achievement when you finally reach your destination.