Step Up Your Exercise! Step Outside
By Sandy Schroeder
We all seem to slow down a little in mid-summer. Kicking everything up a notch could be as easy as exercising outside. Get up a little earlier when it’s cool and quiet to walk or run around the neighborhood instead of going to the gym.
Once you are out there you may find even more reasons to stay out there. The outdoors adds its own special vibe.
Mellow out – Breaking away from the gym and heading through the park may help shed a lot of stress. It’s hard to stay wound up when you are surrounded by greenery and quietness. Before you know it, this may be your favorite way to unload stress. Take your tunes with you and be prepared to come back in a great mood. I find I can go from “not happy” to “really OK” in about 10 minutes when I head outside.
Burn more calories – When you are outside walking or running, wind may add some extra resistance to use up more calories in the same amount of time. If this really works for you, consider weekend boating and biking too.
Naturally detox – Be sure to stay hydrated as you sweat and shed toxic elements that are stored in your muscles.
Motivate more – Getting out for your regular walk or run may be a lot easier when you know you will get the extra boost of being outdoors. Once I start exercising outside, I usually find ways to add another walk or run.
Collect Vitamin D – Cash in on sunlight’s natural glow and Vitamin D delivery. Wear hats and use sunscreen.
Join the kids – Instead of heading off to the gym, join your kids outside for walks, runs or biking. On the weekends, consider wilderness hikes or jogging. From there you might branch out for boating, fishing, tennis or golf.
Get up to speed – If it’s been awhile since you have been out walking in your neighborhood, you may see all sorts of changes.
Escape electronics – When you head outside to exercise, it’s easy to extend the break from electronics. Instead of settling in for a long video game session, your kids may join you.
Build endurance – The more time you spend outside exercising, the more endurance you may enjoy. By the end of summer the whole family may be in much better shape. You may also decide to find ways to exercise outside throughout the year.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Maple Grove, Minn.