Getting Outside and Exercising
Let’s be honest, these days we spend most of our time indoors. Going outside is probably the best thing people can do. Roughly 90 percent of our life is spent indoors and that percentage increases with age. Many people don’t venture into the outdoors because of the risk of UV damage to skin, mosquitos, and various other reasons. The truth of the matter is that going outside is good for us! This is especially true when it comes to exercise. In fact, exercising outdoors can often be healthier for the body than being in a gym. Everyone needs at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per day. Why not complete that daily activity in the great outdoors?
Plenty of Options
While home gym equipment like treadmills and ellipticals are good fallback options in case of inclement weather, there are plenty of choices for outdoor activities. Something as simple as taking a brisk walk or something more intense like taking advantage of the natural terrain to get in shape, the options are out there. You can burn up to 250 calories by raking leaves for an hour and that’s an exercise that also doubles as a necessity for homeowners.
One of the most popular outdoor exercises is running. Whether that means a walk, light jog, or all out run doesn’t matter, as long as it lasts about 30 minutes. Sports are also great outdoor exercises that can get you an all-body workout and can be fun at the same time. It’s important to participate in sports that involve quite a bit of movement such as soccer, basketball, tennis, or other highly active sports.
In some areas, there are parks that actually have built small spots to perform exercises. It there’s one near you, try taking advantage of the pull-up bars, balance beams, and other exercise areas in the park.
Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
A great benefit to outdoor exercise is simply being outside in general! The fresh air and sunshine can do a lot to promote an improved attitude and overall well-being. Being outside can pose new challenges in your workout that aren’t as apparent in an indoor gym setting, such as a constantly changing terrain and various weather conditions. These can help you to achieve a better overall workout.
Getting Outside
Exercise early, avoid extreme climates, drink enough water, and get proper gear before heading out. These tips will help make outdoor exercise part of your new lifestyle!
Jim Rollince, Head of Creative Writing at Gym Source, www.gymsource.com
