Outdoor Workouts for Spring
By Donna Stark
Are you starting to get the itch to head outdoors when it's time for you to work out? If so, you aren't alone! This is the time of year when the beautiful spring weather beckons everyone to leave the gym and exercise outside, right alongside Mother Nature. But without all the gym equipment you are used to, what exactly should you do? Here are some great suggestions from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.
Walking
Walking is one of the most effective and economical ways to get your body moving. It's the perfect exercise for those who are new to exercise or who are recovering from an injury. Walking helps to regulate blood pressure levels, strengthen your leg and core muscles, and increase endurance.
Biking
If you want to explore a little bit further than where you can go while walking, pull your bike out of the garage and hit the roads. There is nothing better than having the cool air hit your face while the warm sun is shining down on your back. Biking is one of the best joint-friendly and low-impact exercises to engage in.
Trail Running or Hiking
Want to get your heart pumping a little more intensely? Go ahead and hit the trails near your home! But before you head out, make sure you pack enough water, pick a trail you are familiar with, and wear supportive shoes with good traction. It's also a good idea to bring a friend or let others know where you are going if you plan on heading deep into the woods.
Fitness Courses
Do any of your local parks offer fitness courses for adults? If so, it's time to take advantage of them! Depending on what your town has set up, the fitness course you choose may include parallel bars, rings, ladders, rock walls, inclines, and jump boxes. This may be a great option to choose if your kids want to head to the park as well.
Slacklining
Have you ever heard of slacklining? No? Well, picture a tightrope that's not as tight and isn't a rope. Slacklining is a piece of nylon or webbing that is a couple of centimeters wide. It is rigged between two fixed points (usually trees) and is used for balancing. A couple of great things about slacklining is that it can improve posture, increase core strength, and reduce joint pain.
Outdoor Workouts for Spring
The weather is beautiful and the days are brighter, so go ahead and say goodbye to the gym for a moment, head outside, and scratch that itch with the spring workouts suggested above. Getting in shape has never been more fun!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bryant, Ark.