Fierce Fitness by Jo Lastro
Outside Adventures “Adventure is about pushing yourself, and growing as a result.” During COVID lockdown, many good habits and routines have changed or completely gone out of the window. But now we need to look at how we can gently reintroduce positive habits around good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health. Plus, how to reconnect with the outdoors, which I believe is essential to finding a sustainable balance in our busy lives. Being in lockdown would have given you a chance to think about a lot of things. And if you like the outdoors, I am sure you would be thinking about getting outside. I know I am! As restrictions are slowly being lifted in Australia, it is time to start thinking about how you can go back to a new version of normal life, of course, with social distancing. It is also the time to think differently when it comes to exercise. Instead of associating it with gyms and all the fancy equipment, think “outside the walls.” I mean treadmills, step classes, cycling. Sometimes the same old thing becomes, well, old. I want you to remember fitness is not just about sweat, six-packs or sex appeal. Yes, you heard that right. It is about having enough energy to do activities safely and ones that get us moving – outside! Being outside enriches your experiences. And outdoor exercise can be adapted to anyone’s level of fitness, in any part of the world, in any season. You do not have to be the fittest, strongest, or fastest. It is about the ability to learn, pushing the corners of yourself and growing as a result.
Big Decision
Whether it is hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, skiing, stand up paddle-boarding or Nordic walking, you can find the perfect outdoor adventure anywhere that you live. All these adventures will make you feel stronger, more vital and energized. They will work wonders for your coordination skills and concentration.
Stop
Stop saying to yourself “I’m too old for canyoning!”, or “Skiing sounds like fun, but I can’t stand up on skis.” Even “What on earth is Nordic walking?” Rather than making the same old excuses, think of all there is to be gained from embracing these new fun activities. Outside adventure is great for all ages, not just for kids;
adults can have fun too. Time to jump right in and commit!
Adventure and Exercise
Let me take you on an adventure, and show you some different outdoor activities with fun and exercise intertwined.
Stand Up Paddle-Boarding Yoga instead of Yoga
This is the ultimate summer exercise in any part of the world. There are many reasons why people enjoy doing yoga in water, and you may want some quiet solitude! Doing SUP yoga is a fantastic way of strengthening your core. Your body stabilises the board through the various poses, manages the drift of the board and deals with the waves. The added challenge of doing yoga on a wobbly board will force you to be very present and intentional with
your movements. It also encourages a beginner’s mindset as you become engaged and curious to maintain the simplest tasks.
Tip: To prepare yourself for this activity, practice “easy sitting pose” at home
