STRONG IDEA: Spring Fever - An Outside Workout
By Emily Stapleton on April 08, 2013 from Strong Ideas
There are 3 positions you may find yourself in as we head into spring:
A. You have been getting your sweat on in an indoor location such a gym or your basement.
B. You haven’t been as active as you would like throughout the winter.
C. You are the hardcore type…you simply add a layer and head out into the cold, dark winter.
I find myself somewhere between A and C. I am a runner. While I teach classes that combine strength, cardio, and flexibility; my true fitness love is running. I try to log at least some miles outside each week, but you can often find me doing my run on a treadmill at the Y during the coldest times of the year.
• Less germs and cleaner air
Inside air contains more pollutants than outdoor air. Indoor gym equipment creates the perfect environment for germs to manifest.
Research continues to show us that most Americans have a vitamin D deficiency. While a supplement can help, the best way to up your body’s vitamin D level is to get it naturally from the sun.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel a little restricted when workout indoors. The great outdoors provide a feeling of freedom.
The mental health benefits of exercise have long been known. According to Science Daily, outdoor exercise is associated with even greater decreases in tension, confusion, stress, and anger than indoor exercise. Put simply, outdoor activity just makes us feel better!
Until next week,
Emily Stapleton
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