Boost Your Camping Experience With These Tips
By Brandi Goodman
The camping season is well underway, yet so many people are still resorting to their old habits. Laying on a sleeping bag on the ground, grilling hot dogs over the fire, and other common pastimes are still observed. You can boost your camping experience with a few tips in mind, making it healthier and more worthwhile.
Get an Air Mattress
At the very least, you should be sleeping on an air mattress while you camp. Other types of foldaway beds and camping options also exist. A sleeping bag on the ground may work fine for children, but it will not suffice at all for most adults -- not as long as you want to be able to get up in the morning sans back pain.
Make Your Meals at Home
Hot dogs are not a healthy meal option. Perhaps if you purchase whole wheat buns and choose the healthiest version of hot dogs at the store, you'll still be getting some nutrition. That 99-cent package doesn't meet the criteria though. Make up healthy meals at home that you can easily store in containers inside a cooler. You'll be able to heat up leftovers easily with a camping griddle and cast iron skillet and actually receive the nutrients you need from your food. Be sure to drink water bottles along as well so you can stay hydrated. It's especially important in the heat and when you'll be engaging in physical activities.
Stretch Well
Chances are, you'll be doing some activities your body may not be used to anymore. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, and more activities are common while camping, but it may have been months or even a full year or longer since you tried them. You should really be stretching your body well so you can be sure you're fully prepared for the rigorous movements you'll have to perform. Take a short walk around the campsite to get your blood flowing and stretch out your arms and legs well so your joints are flexible and capable of handling all the motion without straining too hard.
Camping can be a healthy and worthwhile experience if you keep these tips in mind. Without them, you'll likely end up with some serious aches when you head home, not to mention a stomach that isn't feeling too well after all the unhealthy junk food you indulged in. Eating right and maintaining healthy habits are crucial no matter if you're home or on vacation.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.