THE GREEN COLUMN
www.icenimagazine.co.uk
Issue 85 2020
Exercise For Free I used to pay out £40 a month for the privilege of using a gym. I had to be very disciplined to go and I didn’t enjoy the process of making myself pack my bag, drive to the gym and do a workout. It felt sterile. Going to the gym never felt like a pleasure. After trying 5 or so different gyms, I then decided to give up with it. It wasn’t for me anymore. Pressure off, because I was no longer spending my hard earned money and feeling like I ‘should’ go, I began to find fitness in other ways. Free ways… and ways I actually enjoyed! There became no forcing of myself. I am fit, healthy and happy with the activities I do to keep me well, whilst being £40 a month better off! So, I’ve made a list of things I ‘accidentally’ do to look after my body (and mind). I say ‘accidentally’ because the first reason for doing them isn’t exercise, I just enjoy them. It is an added bonus I get.
• Gardening. Bending down, turning, lifting, turning compost, trimming hedges, mowing the grass, hoeing, raking… it’s all great exercise! I’ve just taken on an allotment which is going to be even more work! Top Tip - I have been using an amazing, non-electrical, non-diesel lawn mower. It just has very sharp blades. Heavy on the arms to push and pull… and eco-friendly too! • Walking the dog and walking in nature. I love walking and I can walk for miles without feeling like it is hard work. • Spending time in the woods. Creating a little mini workout in the woods is fun! Log lifting or rolling (to find mini-beast life), tree climbing, balancing on fallen tree trunks. There’s plenty to do there. • Foraging for foods in nature. This requires bending down and reaching up high whilst walking. Free food and exercise!
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