Originally Published June 23, 2003 -- Your Wellness
Guide
Create An Outdoor
Fitness Path
|
We all
know that exercise is important. But, having a variety of different
types of exercise is what motivates us to stay involved with a
physical fitness regimen.
One of
my favorite things to do is to take a walk through our
neighborhood. I have a route, which I can vary, that winds through
the residential streets.
As the
months roll by, I know when I can expect a change in flowers, when
Christmas light displays start to go up, and the sounds and smells
of each season. |
Walking is
easy to do with the family. And when your children are young, use a
stroller, which can strengthen your arms and shoulders with added
resistance.
Radio Fitness Talk Show Host Dr. Paul Kennedy says the best way to start
on a path of being fit is to walk.
We
are designed to walk, but we dont do that much anymore. All you need is
two to two-and-a-half miles a day of walking at (the low speed of) two
miles an hour, which would take 40 minutes, to maintain or lose weight.
Even 30 minutes of walking is a good base.
He
says one of the best ways to keep us challenged is to put variety in our
training, which includes the outdoors.
However, all
too often we are stuck in the house or the gym like packaged people.
|
I
grew up very inactive and very overweight, says Fagan Business
Communications Principal Aimee Fitzgerald, who started to get fit in
her 20s through attending a gym and lots of aerobic classes.
But,
gradually she got burned out from the classes and turned to the
outdoors. I learned to swim, became a part-time lifeguard and swim
instructor, did some hiking, and started cycling.
Now,
shes into competing in short-distance triathlons and heavily
utilizing not only the outdoors but also local community recreation
centers.
She
told me I truly believe that the combination of exercise and being
outside has helped me tremendously over the years to stay balanced
in life and to handle whatever has come my way plenty of ups and
downs with work and personal life. |
Photo Courtesy: Aimee Fitzgerald
Aimee Fitzgerald turned to cycling in her 20s as a
way to get out of the gym and enjoy the outside. |
With
a third of the population being obese, exercise needs to not only be easy
but also enjoyable. Getting into the outdoors is one of the best ways to
achieve that.
Holistic Fitness Expert
J.J. Flizanes (www.invisiblefitness.com)
says that the outdoors can be good for both the mind and the body.
As
J.J. trains people to be more fit, she encourages them to get outside and
go to places that will be calming and beautiful. Even in a city, there
are parks that provide a retreat.
You
might start your outdoor workout by taking in the sounds and sights.
Find sounds (in the outdoors) that soothe your soul and motivate you. If
you get annoyed by the sounds of cars or birds, find a place removed from
the congestion of life. Seek out the appropriate sounds that evoke the
right emotions in you. And, make sure your chosen place has a smell that
does something positive for you, says J.J.
As
you settle into your environment, literally shake out the kinks (shaking
out arms and legs) and take deep refreshing breaths by raising up your
arms.
Simple yoga stretches are also excellent warm ups, putting you in tune
with your body and your mind.
You
might also consider that your outdoors is full of props, encourages J.J., taking
the place of a gym. Climb the hill, climb the stairs, do push-ups on a
tree, do step-ups on a bench. Touch your surroundings.
With
there being a psychological and physical benefit to being out in the open,
take the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, such as your local park or a
walk around the block. You will be de-stressed and invigorated.
As with any
dietary or physical activity change, be informed and consult your
healthcare practitioner as needed.
Terra
Wellington
is a
national authority on creating a wellness lifestyle.
www.terrawellington.com
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Wellington