Many people think that fitness is boring – walking down the same street every single day – getting dressed and going to the same aerobics class every week. It tends to put people in a rut. Trying to get in shape and keeping up a routine is hard enough. Shouldn’t it be fun?
It CAN be fun when you get back to nature. Get outdoors more and have some fun while meeting your fitness goals. Of course, this involves seasonal activities, so you have to keep up your workouts even if you can’t get outdoors all the time. But, if your goal is to start hiking (or any other activity), you will need to be prepared for it – especially if your goal is to tackle more difficult outdoor activities over time.
Hiking
Hiking is one of those activities yo need to have some physical conditioning before hand; it isn’t smart to start off with difficult trails. Depending on where you live, hopefully there are hiking trails designed for all levels of fitness from gentle to more demanding. If not, you may have to plan for a hiking trip on your next vacation. But be sure to stay active and train for the hiking trip if you aren’t in great shape.
Hiking offers some great benefits – improved cardio fitness – improved respiration – increased overall movements and muscular strength – improved bone strength and density – improved endurance – fresh air – a great view…
Trail Walking
Many areas of the country have nature trails. The majority of them are easy enough for most people to walk. So, if you want to add hiking to your life, it’s best to start off by walking a few easy trails first. Be sure to walk them several times a week. It may sound as monotonous as going to a gym every week, but think about the fresh air and sunshine you will get. Being outdoors and working out outdoors can be more healthy and boost your overall wellbeing.
If you live in the city, trail walking can be especially good for you because it helps you get away from all the noise and hustle and bustle of daily life. Check your local area for nature trails ad start using them when the weather permits.
Canoeing or Kayaking
My family loves this because it’s great for getting outdoors and getting wet. It does require a good bit of upper body strength and flexibility, so if you have any kind of shoulder injury or weak arms, you may want to skip kayaking. Kayaking also requires a good deal of core strength.
Canoeing can be easier if you’re on a quiet lake or a gentle river, but you will still have to use that paddle.
If it’s possible, find a friend to help you get started. They can do most of the work while you learn, and eventually you will be in better shape and can take the lead.
Looking forward to these types of activities is a good motivator to get in shape and stay in shape. If you do have to go to that same obring gym every week, keep your focus on what you’re working to accomplish (and being able to get outdoors and have fun later on).
Skiing (Water or Snow)
These two sports are seasonal. If you’re lucky enough to live where you can enjoy both, it’s a year-round fitness score. Both require all-over body strength, and they definitely help built more strength. They are activities that you may not be able to do on a weekly basis, but if it’s your goal to start doing them, it will help motivate you to keep up your regular workouts, so you are in shape for them.
Yes, working out can get boring. But if you set your sights and goals on adding some outdoor sports to your regime, it can give you a mental boost to keep moving forward.
Check out the following resource that can get you started…