6 minute read

THE GREAT NATURE GYM

Next Article
THAT NATURAL GLOW

THAT NATURAL GLOW

OUTDOOR WORKOUTS MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER

by Carrie Jackson

Advertisement

Summer is the prime time to skip the gym and exercise in the fresh air. Studies show that outdoor workouts improve mental well-being and result in greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement. Exercising in nature can reduce stress levels even more than being indoors and can make a workout seem easier.

KoolShooters/Pexels.com

Many outdoor activities are free or lowcost, can be done solo or in groups and are easily worked into a schedule. From a simple walk in the park to an organized club meet-up, there’s no shortage of options to get the heart pumping.

Outdoor Safety

There are a few factors to keep in mind when moving an exercise routine outside. Be sure to drink plenty of water, as the warmer temperatures can cause increased sweating and dehydration during exertion. Products like hydration packs provide an insulated way to easily carry water hands-free during a workout. While some exposure to vitamin D is beneficial, sun protection is essential as harmful UV rays can cause the skin to burn and lead to melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a waterproof, broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours. UVA rays can also lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium (a benign growth called “surfer’s eye”), so wear sunglasses that have UV protection.

Walking

An easy activity that can be done almost anywhere, walking requires only a pair of supportive shoes and a bit of wanderlust. It is a great introduction for people looking to get started with a fitness program. Relatively low-impact, it can ease joint pain, help reduce stress, improve sleep and boost the immune system. Research suggests that distance is more important than speed for health benefits, so add a leisurely stroll to a daytime routine.

As a weight-bearing exercise, running helps build strong bones and protects against osteoporosis. Over time, it can also reduce the risk of heart disease and lower the resting heart rate. Long- distance running is stellar for cardiovascular endurance, while sprinting is a quick way to jumpstart weight loss. Running clubs all over the country can help newcomers find inspiration, camaraderie and motivation when the couch is calling.

Biking

Cycling is easy on the joints, can help improve balance and is a great low-impact cardio workout. Biking can be done solo or in groups and is a great option for families, as even little kids can ride along. Many cities have bike-friendly street lanes, allow bikes on public transportation and have rental bikes such as Divvy available for short-term rides.

Yoga

Classes in yoga and Pilates, traditionally done indoors, can be moved outside when the weather is nice. Practicing in the open air means breathing in higher quality oxygen while practicing deep breathing or moving through asanas. The ambient warmth allows soft tissue to relax more, making deeper poses more accessible. Plus, it’s just more relaxing to practice outside, and taking in the surroundings will heighten a mindfulness practice.

Water Sports

Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding can be done on any kind of open water, including lakes, ponds and rivers. These activities strengthen the upper body as well, and water itself can have a calming effect. Take a class or rent a boat for an afternoon paddle, either alone or with friends.

Rollerblading

Popular in the 1990s, rollerblading is again having a heyday. Online skate manufacturer Rollerblade saw a 300 percent increase in sales at the start of the pandemic, as consumers looked for creative ways to get around outside. Rollerblading helps build endurance in a wide range of muscles, including upper legs, hips, back and glutes. It can improve balance, is easy on the joints and is just plain fun. Invest in a set of protective gear such as a helmet, wrist guards and kneepads to ensure safety.

Urban Fitness

To create workouts in the city, run up and down a hill or set of stairs, then find a nearby playground and do pull-ups on the monkey bars, tricep dips on a park bench and other bodyweight exercises. Or, grab a few friends and create a high-intensity interval training circuit in the park. Change up the routine and location to keep it fresh and fun.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJackson Writes.com.

Thermography Advantage

Early detection can mean life.

Breast thermography is one of the easiest and safest methods for spotting inflammation, a major precursor to disease. It offers earlier detection of breast disease than self examination, doctor examination or mammography.

NON-INVASIVE | RADIATION-FREE | HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NO COMPRESSION | FDA REGISTERED Thermography Advantage

Mobile & Foley, AL | Pensacola & Destin, FL | Brandon & Hattiesburg, MS | Covington, LA Carolyn Olson, Founder and Certified Clinical Thermographer CALL US TODAY: 251-623-2225 Learn more at ThermographyAdvantage.com

small-batched kombucha infused with love, laughter and a dash of southern sarcasm!

– handcrafted in coastal alabama –check website for retailers: WildMagnoliaLife.com

Experience effortless

Eastern Shore Rolfing

to manual therapy that resolves physical discomfort , releases tension and alleviates pain

while

and enhancing energy .

706.681.2935

WE’VE MOVED! Make an appointment at our larger location today! 22806 HWY 98,FAIRHOPE,AL

Sundays at 10:30AM All Saints Chapel 251-333-0435 opentableucc.org Instagram: @opentablemobile

Make your community a little GREENER … Support our advertisers

For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community

source: the350project.net

Healing Massage with Complimentary Adjuncts

Various independent case studies show that massage therapy is a highly effective treatment for relieving muscle aches and pain, soothing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, boosting immunity and reducing headaches. Massage is also noninvasive, can produce timely results and is more cost-effective than most other treatments for chronic low-back pain in addition to being beneficial in counteracting postural imbalances, which is a common pain issue for anyone who sits for long periods of time.

“Massage therapy’s proven benefits are further enhanced by combining them with specialized modalities that promote deeper relaxation and healing,” says Stephen Williams at Gulf Shores Massage and Bodywork, where clients can experience the deep relaxation and healing that takes place when services such as intuitive sound therapy and energy work are incorporated into regular massage sessions.

Located in the Gulf Island Building at 613 Gulf Shores Parkway (just six blocks from the beach in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama), Gulf Shores Massage and Bodywork offers a clean, comfortable setting for deep relaxation and healing. Sessions are personally customized using a combination of Swedish, therapeutic, medical, deep tissue or sports massage therapy techniques supplemented with assisted stretching and joint mobilizations when needed. Soothing sound therapy and revitalizing energy modalities can also be included at no additional cost by request.

“I’m passionate about helping my clients reach their personal health goals through effective massage therapy and bodywork, and I continually incorporate new techniques and modalities into my practice. I’m also a certified medical massage practitioner trained to treat, alleviate and help correct painful conditions such as sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and frozen shoulder,” says Williams, who provided professional massage therapy for six years in the Memphis area before moving to the Gulf Coast earlier this year.

To set himself apart from other massage therapists, Williams offers specialized services at no extra charge when requested. Complimentary aromatherapy, glide cupping, sound therapy and Reiki energy are all available. In addition, new clients receive a standard $10 discount on first sessions and there are discounted membership plans for clients who want to save on regular monthly sessions to maintain optimum health. Gulf Shores Massage and Bodywork gift cards are available on the website.

Location: Gulf Shores Massage and Bodywork, 613 Gulf Shores Parkway, Suite 203, Gulf Shores, AL. To schedule a session, call 251-274-0840 or schedule at GulfShoresMassageAndBodywork. com. Alabama LMT license #5870; Alabama massage establishment license #E-3438. See ad, page 11. Stephen Williams

This article is from: