May 26 2010
Finding Fitness In The Great Outdoors
If you want to feel fit and fantastic, you simply can’t beat the great outdoors. While it’s true that going to the gym is great for things like general physical fitness and muscle growth, many people get bored with gyms. They just feel there’s nothing natural about a gym workout and lose their motivation. That’s not the case, though, with outdoor fitness activities.
Some people are lucky enough to live in towns near great wilderness areas or large parks that give them the feeling of getting away from it all. Others have to wait for their vacations to come before they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. While it may be difficult for a city dweller to find time to get back to nature, anyone will tell you that nothing is healthier than spending time outdoors, however you can get it.
One way that city dwellers and suburbanites can enjoy the feeling of being outdoors is on a bicycle. There’s a great feeling of exhilaration racing down a hill after the challenge of a steep hill climb, whether it’s on a backwoods trail or a back street in the city. A Schwinn mountain bike or other MB, often has 24 gears and disc brakes, making it possible to climb the steepest hill or stop on a dime.
You do have to take safety precautions when riding on mountain bikes, whether you’re riding in city traffic or on an empty backwoods trail. It would be stupid and irresponsible of you if you didn’t wear a helmet while riding in the city.
The color of your helmet and its style are irrelevant. A black helmet will protect your noggin just as well as a day glow pink one will. The only important thing is that you buy a helmet and wear it whenever you go out for a ride.
That’s as true for offroad as it is on the city streets. If you fall off a mountain bike at any speed, you can get a serious or even fatal head injury if you’re not wearing a helmet. If you’ve got a helmet, though, you can ride your mountain bike with abandon, knowing your head is safe.
If for some reason mountain biking leaves you cold, try hiking or rock climbing. For these activities, you need to focus more on your feet than your head. If you’re a hiker, invest in a pair of good boots with soles that are designed for mountainous terrain. If you’re going to go rock climbing, you’ll need special rockclimbing shoes that fit tightly and can grip tiny nubbins of rock on steep cliffs without slipping off.
Do whatever it takes to get outdoors. There is no better way to get physically, mentally and emotionally fit than vigorous outdoor exercise.
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