For this weeks dive into the gloomy-waters of the DW archives, we re-visit a post from Parneaus in which she discuss the possibility of using the world as your gym. Enjoy….. (originally posted on 5th April 2011)
Every New Year, people make resolutions. Most of them are to be healthier or to go to the gym more. By week two, most people haven’t visited a gym or acted in any way healthy. But that’s ok- everyone does it.
Gyms are thought of as intimidating places; sweaty rooms filled with hardcore athletes who look down on you as you shuffle in and gym trainers who are either loud and pushy or who look at you as if you’re an unfit idiot. As well as that, gym memberships can be harshly expensive, and in today’s day an age this can pose a problem.
What I’m here to tell you today is, you don’t need a gym to get fit or stay healthy. You don’t need to spend loads of money on gym memberships or expensive equipment. You want to know why? Because the world is your gym.
Look outside. See some roads? Paths? Maybe even some grass or nice scenery? There you go. That is your gym. Pop on your trainers and go for a walk to your favourite place. You could take the dog, the kids, a friend, your partner. It doesn’t have to be horrible and extremely tiring to be good for you. Just up your pace a little bit, and aim to walk for at least half an hour each day. This will help you get that little bit healthier.
Roadside paths are good to run along. Make yourself a mental timetable and always leave time to go for a jog or run. Some nights you just won’t feel like it, but trust me, you’ll thank me when you’ve got into a routine. If you don’t like the thought of running past cars, try running in the morning or the evening, or make your running route somewhere more secluded, like a forest or country walk.
If you don’t want to be alone, invite a friend along. You don’t have to be a speedy sprinter or a marathon runner: just find your pace and enjoy the run. Always remember water when going running or doing any form of exercise to keep you hydrated.
Want to check out the scenery of where you live? Grab your bike and your helmet and get cycling. Cycling is great for your legs and instead of being stuck on a cycling machine in a gym staring ahead at a white wall, you could be out speeding past some beautiful scenery. Sound good?
Another great exercise is skipping. You can pick up skipping ropes pretty cheaply at most stores. Skipping is good because it not only keeps you at a steady pace and keeps you fit, but it also keeps you co-ordinated. It’s not just a matter of jumping up and down while swinging a rope, it’s a matter of timing. As you learn to skip faster, why don’t you try some fancy footwork, and set yourself a challenge?
If you find it hard to exercise on your own, then exercise with a group of friends. You can have a laugh while getting your fitness. Grab a ball and have a bit of a kick around or play catch. Unleash your inner child and get fit at the same time.
Yoga outdoors is another way of keeping yourself calm and giving yourself inner strength. Working outdoors will make you feel more at one with the world and also will help you to concentrate.
Doing your normal workout outside is a way of staying focused. The change of scenery and clean air will help to keep your mind motivated and you feeling fresh and healthy.
So next time you feel intimidated by scary gym trainers, obnoxious gym-users or confusing equipment, remember that it doesn’t have to be hard. Get outside, get a bit of fresh air, and get fit. Easy as 1,2,3.
