STRONG IDEA: Spring Fever - An Outside Workout
By Emily Stapleton on April 08, 2013 from Strong Ideas via Connect-Bridgeport.com
We all have it this time of year: spring fever – a burning desire for warmer weather and to be outside in said weather. Beyond cookouts and porch sitting, spring can provide a perfect backdrop for your outdoor workouts.
There are 3 positions you may find yourself in as we head into spring:
There are 3 positions you may find yourself in as we head into spring:
A. You have been getting your sweat on in an indoor location such a gym or your basement.
B. You haven’t been as active as you would like throughout the winter.
C. You are the hardcore type…you simply add a layer and head out into the cold, dark winter.
I find myself somewhere between A and C. I am a runner. While I teach classes that combine strength, cardio, and flexibility; my true fitness love is running. I try to log at least some miles outside each week, but you can often find me doing my run on a treadmill at the Y during the coldest times of the year.
Here are a few advantages outdoor activity has over its indoor counterpart:
• Less germs and cleaner air
Inside air contains more pollutants than outdoor air. Indoor gym equipment creates the perfect environment for germs to manifest.
Research continues to show us that most Americans have a vitamin D deficiency. While a supplement can help, the best way to up your body’s vitamin D level is to get it naturally from the sun.
• Wide open space and the feeling of being able to move freely
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel a little restricted when workout indoors. The great outdoors provide a feeling of freedom.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel a little restricted when workout indoors. The great outdoors provide a feeling of freedom.
The mental health benefits of exercise have long been known. According to Science Daily, outdoor exercise is associated with even greater decreases in tension, confusion, stress, and anger than indoor exercise. Put simply, outdoor activity just makes us feel better!
The possibilities for outdoor activity are endless: running, walking, biking, swimming, even yard work counts. Think outside the box and use the physical terrain or man made structures to enhance your workout. A hill can be used to increase intensity in running or biking. A park bench can be used for strength work such as tricep dips. These types of exercises can be done on your own or in a structured group setting, like the classes I lead.
Until next week,
Emily Stapleton
