There are so many benefits to exercising outdoors. Playing sports outside has many of the same benefits as normal exercise. You will burn calories, improve your self-esteem and feel better in general. But outdoor exercise tends to burn 10 percent more calories than working out indoors. You have fewer distractions and there’s a good chance you will end up exercising longer than you would have inside. It also gives you a boost of vitamin D, which decreases your chances of stroke, osteoporosis and cancer.

If you are looking to liven up your outdoor workout routine, try one of these thrilling outdoor activities to break a sweat and have some fun at the same time.

Dirtbike Racing

Getting on the back of a dirtbike brings you closer to nature. You can cruise through the outdoors as you take in all the wonderful sights and sounds. Hit up a local dirtbike racing or cruising park to find trails in your area. Try racing against one of your companions to get your adrenaline pumping. Dirtbikes can move through all kinds of terrain, including muddy swamps, thick patches of dirt and the open desert. Learn more about dirt bike riding to stock up on everything you need to ride.

White Water Rafting

If you feel like getting wet, you can always head out on the river for some thrilling white water rafting. This sport isn’t for the faint of heart, so you’ll need to partner with a group that has some experience navigating the rapids. It’s all about coordinating with your teammates as you work together to get down the river safely. You’ll also need plenty of upper body strength to paddle against the waters, but it’s the only way to see the river up close and personal.

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Skiing and Snowboarding

Head up into the mountains for a different type of thrill. These winter sports are great for exploring the snowy wilderness. You can jet down the side of the mountain to feel the wind against your face or mosey your way through a quiet valley on a pair of cross-country skis. You can always rent snowboarding equipment and skis from a local resort and take a few classes to learn how to keep your balance on the slopes.

Use a skiing communication device to stay connected to your companions on the trail. You can listen to music or dial a call using voice commands while skiing so you can stay focused on getting to the bottom of the mountain. Connect the device to your GPS when exploring remote areas to avoid getting lost. Keep the number for the local park service handy in case you need help getting home.

Ziplining 

Nothing gives you a view of the forest like flying through the air on a zipline. This fun-filled activity gives you a bird’s-eye view of the natural world. If you have a fear of heights, this isn’t the sport for you, but you don’t need a lot of experience to get off the ground. Sign up for a ziplining tour at a local, state or national park to experience the thrill of moving seamlessly through the trees. The instructor will make sure you stay attached to the cable. Ziplines can be anywhere from 40 to 150 feet up in the air. The higher the zipline, the longer the cable. Keep your head up and try not to look down when starting out or you may psych yourself out.

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Bungee Jumping or Sky Diving 

Looking for an even bigger thrill? Try your hand at bungee jumping or sky diving. Both activities require you to jump from great heights, so you’ll need a strong set of nerves to summon the courage. Bungee jumping means jumping from a tall structure, usually a bridge, while connected to a cord made of natural rubber. The cable will catch you and bounce you up into the air before eventually lowering you to the ground.

Sky diving is when you jump out of a plane wearing a parachute. As you start falling, you will need to open the parachute to glide safely to the ground. You’ll need to partner with an experienced diver when starting out. They will operate the parachute for both of you, so you can sit back and take in the experience. Both sports come with breathtaking views. They are also sure to get your blood pumping unlike anything else.

Safety should be your number one priority when trying a new sport. You will need to wear a helmet, goggles and other safety gear when engaging in any of these activities. Use helmet communication to stay connected to your companions and mobile devices while participating. You can learn from your instructor and call for help in an emergency without physically interacting with your device.

Try these sports today to make the most of your time outdoors.