Put a Spring in Your Step, Outside!
OK, Mamas! No more excuses!
For those of us who live in more temperamental climates, the need to "hibernate" can be such an easy excuse to make for why we just can't seem to get ourselves in gear, finding the energy to exercise - for some, the prospect of staring at the TV or wall perched atop an elliptical machine or running on a treadmill is anything but inspiring.
Well, it's April now... the perfect time to take advantage of Mother Earth's glorious views, outside!
Whether you're pregnant or already have little ones in tow, the opportunity to get outside is one you should totally not forsake. Being cooped up all winter can do a number on anyone, but especially pregnant mamas and young kids! Take a walk through your neighborhood! Hike a nearby trail! Hit the park and do Pilates while your toddler romps on the playground! If nothing else, do some squats on your driveway while your tyke rides her trike!
Need more reason to get thee out of doors for some exercise this spring? Consider the following benefits of outdoor exercise!
Self-Reliance
One you get used to exercising outdoors, you'll become less dependent on the excuse that you "need" the right equipment to do so. Outdoor exercise requires no equipment whatsoever! Once you're used to exercising outdoors, you may even find you've turned into one of those "hardcore exercisers" at whom you once marveled running outside in the rain, while you drove by on your way to the gym.
Budget-Friendly
Getting your fitness on outside is, free, free, free! Most gyms cost an average of $45 per month.
Burn More Calories
Many fitness experts swear that exercising outdoors is actually more effective at burning calories, for several reasons. First, your body is required to overcome gravity in a highly varied manner. When walking or jogging on typical outdoor terrain, those stabilizing muscles are required to kick in more often, because the variation of terrain and elevation requires it.
No Gross Macho Muscle Men!
When you take your workout outdoors, you forsake the sometimes off-putting scene of grunting, muscly meatheads competing with each other for your attention, on who can lift more, etc. Good riddance, Gross Guys, and hello, wide open spaces!
Cleanliness
Along those same lines, gyms are rife with yucky germs. Sure, there are spray bottles of disinfectant placed sporadically about the gym, but you're relying on other people to thoroughly clean their own germs off the equipment, when really, they're trying just as hard as you are to get a good workout in, meaning, lots of people don't do it at all.
No Crowds or Lines
Never compete for equipment again or be forced to make small talk with someone when all you really want to do is burn calories. When you exercise outside, you can opt to do it in as remote of a location as you want. Of course, because for some of us, having others around doing the same thing is actually motivating, heading to a park with a track is a great option, too!
Sunshine = Vitamin D
Most Americans are dreadfully deficient in Vitamin D, which is affects everything from our sense of well being to our bodies' abilities to fight off chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis. It doesn't take much exposure to sunshine to do the trick... a half an hour or so is perfect - just the right time for a nice, brisk walk!
Fresh Air!
Forget breathing in deeply and being overpowered by the smell of sweat, feet and that mysterious gym odor. Work out outside and breathe in nothing by clean, fresh air!
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