Play outside in the Sunshine
We all have to MOVE daily and what better way to get our MOVE ON than in the great outdoors! Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall….every season has its beauty and fitness opportunities. We play outside....why not work outside? Workout that is! Ever since I was a kid, I couldn’t get enough of being outside. Play is how I exercised then and why can’t I do it now? I choose to tap into my inner child and keep the fit fun alive. Let me share some of the best benefits I have experienced “playing” outside:
1. EXERCISE ON UNEVEN TERRAIN.
Exercising on a natural surface outdoors requires more body control and activates more joints and muscles than working out on a flat surface indoors. Think about hiking. I strengthen my ankles, knees and hips with every step as I jump rocks and climb inclines. Now add a few bodyweight moves like push-ups on rocks and I can get my upper body strengthened in new ways as I maneuver to bust a move on an uneven surface. Give it a try and you’ll be hooked!
2. ENGAGE THE MIND
Attention shifts moment by moment as I focus on dodging tree roots and rocks, smelling flowers, hearing birds, seeing the beauty of the changing scenery, and feeling the rain, sun, or wind on my face. Every season, with it’s weather, brings new challenges that feed your mind.
Sunshine, rain and snow…all bring variety and stimulation to my mind, body and soul. I just love how weather naturally changes up my workouts and pushes me to the next level in my training. Don’t abort outdoor play just because the sun may not be shining, how creative can you be hopping over puddles and tromping through snow? Just PLAY!
3. BOOST YOUR MOOD
Stress, anxiety and frustration from the daily grind simply evaporate when you are immersed in the positive energy of nature and the awe of the earth's natural wonders. Sunshine and its built in Vitamin D are sure to not only boost your mood, but your overall health and wellness. I can’t have a bad day when I connect with nature. Try using your senses and soak it all in:
Visual. Lightness, darkness, textures, colors, movement, scenery, sky, objects all boost my mood and spirit.
Auditory. Chirping birds, water flowing, lapping waves, cracking twigs, rustling leaves, the sound of your own breathing can’t help but draw me into my happy place!
Olfactory. Scent of trees, ocean air, flowers, rain, dirt and animals. Just notice and see a smile appear!
Intuitive. Following a hunch, having a deep feeling about something, relying on your inner resources when connecting with nature.
I can’t help but tune into my senses, including my intuition, to deepen and expand my work out experience. I feel confident, connected, boosted, and part of a much bigger world—the natural world. Make sure you tap into your senses the next time you work out in the great outdoors. EXPERIENCE your workout. Let nature be your guide and companion.
4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Outdoor workouts crank up the metabolic demand. The physical demands of an unpredictable environment combined with the mental focus required to negotiate it helps you burn more calories, work at higher intensities and take on greater challenges. All in all, you net bigger results. I can’t tell you how many times I have come home from an outdoor workout stretched, and pushed to my limits in unforgettable ways. My best workouts begin and end with sun on my nose and dirt on my toes. When was the last time you pushed your limit just by taking it outside?
5. GO GREEN
Not only is outdoor exercise friendly to the environment, but being in the "green" has a healing and rejuvenating effect on the body, mind and spirit. I call it my “green mind”. Grounding with the green all around me keeps me centered, happy and healthy. Notice what you feel when you really notice nature and take a moment to be right in the middle of it all. It’s an ATTITUDE.......In the end, you have to have Outdoor attitude! When you attempt and conquer difficult terrain at higher intensities, you improve your physical confidence. A strong sense of confidence enhances well-being and physical performance. In general, individuals with less physical confidence tend to have low aspirations, make weak commitments, give up easily, focus on the things they cannot do and are easily discouraged by failure. Building your confidence outdoors can significantly affect your adherence to a training plan, your performance gains and ultimately how you tackle the challenges of day-to-day life. So go outside in our beautiful weather and be motivated to hike, bike, swim, ski, golf, trail run or surf with confidence! Don’t forget to gear up appropriately for the best experience! ( See my top Adventure Gear Picks in SHOP) Be inspired by your performance and never stop stretching yourself. Set lofty fitness goals and aim high and watch your performance soar! You GO....outside!
