Health & Travel - What's Always With You & Healthier Than a Gym?

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Gyms Are Inconvenient & Sweaty

Instead of the hassles & inconveniences of a gym (and the thought of somebody else's sweaty fluids), I've always preferred working out at home or my back patio. Plus, It's a great time saver & saves me money.

With minimal equipment I can lift weights, HIIT/LIIT (high/low interval intensity training), strength & flexibility yoga, kickboxing, and primal flow workouts. Besides DVD's, there's 2 online platforms you can add to your smart TV that have butt kickin' workouts, like YouTube.

The More Fit You Get, the More Energized You'll Be

From a lunch hour get-away, to a weekend mini-retreat, or a 2 week vacation - you can take advantage of the outdoors. Just do some kind of physical activity that you like best, and you'll reap the overall wellness benefits.

Here's a super awesome fact: the more physically fit you get, the more energized you'll feel. And, the more you'll want to challenge yourself.

For a WIN-WIN, volunteer somewhere. I'm at a therapeutic horse ranch for a few hours each week, and it's non-stop, very enjoyable, exercise.

How is the Outdoors Healthier Than a Gym?

Take advantage of the outdoors, it's healthier than a gym. And, because it's always with you, there's plenty of options within your own region. It requires no appointments, no fees, no hassles. Well, maybe a little hassle if you have to blow up your kayak or your bicycle gets a flat. Here are reasons why the outdoors is healthier than a gym:

1. Physical health - You're receiving the health benefits of Vitamin D from the sun, you can burn more calories in the outdoors than in a gym, nature provides fresh air where your senses can also enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells from the ocean, pine trees, or blooms. Being outdoors is great help in keeping blood pressure & heart rate lower.

2. Mental health - The outdoors helps uplift your mood, I mean who doesn't love a gorgeous sunny day. It helps you reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and helps you feel better overall. It also helps improve your mental focus.

3. Sunlight - 5-15 minutes of sunlight within an hour of waking, or 15-20 minutes if it's cloudy, helps to regulate your sleep cycle, and helps with weight loss.

4. Vitamin D - Vitamin D from the sun is needed for your bones, immune system, and your blood cells. It also helps you absorb and use certain minerals. Don't forget sunscreen if you're going to be out for more then 20 minutes.

5. Seratonin - sunlight helps your body produce seratonin in your brain. It's a feel good hormone that reduces stress/anxiety, gives you more energy, keeps you focused, and uplifts your mood.

6. Socialization - being outdoors, give you plenty of natural ways to "bump" into people, and hopefully start friendships.

Pssst....a gym can't do help you most of these outdoor benefits. Below is a list of outdoor & indoor activities that might spark your interest.

• Try paddling a kayak/canoe down river - it's fitness for your body & relaxation for your mind. Unless you're in whitewater where it's a bit more stimulating.

• Rollerblade along a river walk - have fun exploring for miles.

• Bicycle and switch up the intensity every 5 minutes, or go mountain biking.

• Gardening for an hour+ boosts body mobility & calming for the mind.

• Hike up & down the mountain for a solid leg & cardio workout.

• Hike to your favorite destinations - my favorite is hiking to waterfalls.

• Rock climbing - there's places all over the world you can conquer.

• Yoga engages all your muscles, challenging strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Swimming uses more muscles simultaneously for total body benefits.

• Outdoor exercise circuit park. For upper body strength, try battle ropes.

• Bring 10 - 20 lb. hand weights to the park for upper/lower body workouts.

• Practice your gymnastic moves at the beach or in the park.

• Volleyball, tennis, and pickle ball. Badminton too, for at least an hour.

• Do 5k mud or obstacle runs. It's fun & challenging, especially thru deep mud. The 7 foot high wall with no rope assist was definitely daunting, and my butt needed a hand boost.

• Snow skiing, snow shoeing, and tubing if you walk back up.

• Softball, kick ball, baseball, football, rowing, and rugby team sports.

Move to Your Groove in Outdoor Activities

Bring your best tunes & start moving to your favorite happy jam. Music can help you get you in the mood.

For a Little Variety - Indoor Activities

Take dance lessons like salsa, ballroom, or kickin' it with line dancing. Or, go out dancing on Friday nights & have a blast with friends.

• Rock climbing - indoor options are fun if it's too cold outside.

• Classes - some offered outside, like kickboxing & martial arts, yoga.

• Swimming laps inside - for a little variety, throw in a couple dives.

• Basketball or squash courts - best if you can find courts outside.

• Ice skating indoors & out. I used to love ice skating....I wasn't triple Lutz good, but I could do a few tricks.

• Spring clean your house -- Uh....Sorry, NOT on the fun list!

Bottom Line?

The outdoors is with you where ever you go, even if it's your own backyard - for everyday fun physical & mental wellness.

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