Take advantage of spring to move your workout outside
/ 0
While this winter's snow and cold kept many of you inside for your workouts, springtime calls for a change of venue. There are plenty of reasons to get outside for exercise. Probably the most obvious is motivation.
Who can resist the lure of blooming flowers and gentle breezes (as long as your allergies can tolerate the pollen)? Even if it's a nasty, rainy day, there's something exhilarating about spending time outdoors.
Sherma Francis, director of Diva Bootcamp, a women-only exercise program, is a big proponent of the great outdoors.
"Being outside brings about a holistic feeling, "she said. "From years of experience, I have said unhealthy people turn into happy individuals on their journey to being fit. Exercising outside is a mood-enhancer as well," she said.
"Being outside is refreshing,"Francis went on. "It's a great time to reflect on your past day or clear your head for the day ahead. . . . It is a huge stress-reliever."
She believes the outdoor platform helps motivate individuals to achieve fitness goals faster.
"There is something to be said when one day you were unable to run a mile and a few weeks later you can do 2 miles, then a year later a marathon," Francis said. "I have personally seen this happen."
Indeed, I know from personal experience that nature's beauty makes exercise seem a little more tolerable, a little less grueling. A few weeks ago, I taught a boot camp class outside. I got lucky in that the 8 a.m. Saturday class was met by perfect weather conditions: sunshine and just cool enough to be refreshing. As we lifted into a side plank position with one hand on the ground and the other lifted toward the sky, the morning sunlight burst through the trees of the nearby forest. Everyone had to admit that it was breathtaking - something you'd never experience inside. (Although the class members quickly added that they didn't want to stay in that position too long in order to appreciate the view!)
Michael Harlow, owner and head coach at Endorphin Fitness triathlon training, said he encourages everyone to get outside.
"A lot of people think they need a treadmill or a gym to get in shape,"he said. "You can get in shape doing anything. It's more fun to get in shape doing what you enjoy."
Walk with your family through a scenic park. Sign up for a sport.
"I encourage people to do a variety of things, make it interesting, find different places that you can go,"Harlow said. "Or my personal favorite - pick an event and train for it."
That's what Endorphin Fitness is all about: helping people train for competitive events in swimming, biking and running.
But even if you're not tackling a competitive event, an outdoor excursion can get you moving in new ways.
Francis said exercise newcomers should set their goals realistically. "Start small . . . with short runs or a power walk. And go to a place where there are avid exercisers," she said. "This will help you in your quest to start the challenge."
