Outdoor Exercise
There are certain things that just don't work well when taken outdoors; for instance I'm no surgeon but I'm pretty sure open heart surgery wouldn't work too well when performed outside, even if it is a nice day. That said, exercise doesn't come under the same category, there are many wonderful and joyous exercises that you can perform in the great outdoors. Hence why Gillian, once again, asked my to grab my trusty quill and parchment a.k.a. my laptop, and write down examples of various outdoor activities and the benefits of them:
Walking - Form of Cardiovascular Training
Is a form of low intensity cardiovascular exercise, which is relatively easy on the joints and can be performed for long periods of time without too much discomfort.
Pros/ Benefits:
- Increases calorie burn
- Weight Loss
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Increased lung capacity
- Reduced blood pressure
- Prevents diabetes
- Burns body fat
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Strengthens the immune system
- Lowers stress levels
- Can be done anywhere with no need for equipment
Cons:
- There are certain areas you cannot walk; Motorways and angry farmers with shotguns private land.
Running - Form of Cardiovascular Training
In essence running is just a faster version of walking and as such all of the aforementioned points regarding walking apply. However running is more physically demanding than walking and does place a slightly greater stress on the joints. Lastly with running you can alter the intensity as you wish meaning you can implement Fartlek training. (It is a real name for training honest; I didn't just make it up.)
Fartlek Training:
The word Fartlek means "speed play" in Swedish, which is exactly what it is. The person performing the exercise will 'play' with the speed and intensity with which it is performed. They will continuously run for a set period of time (usually varies from 30 minutes to 45 minutes) whilst varying the intensity from walking, jogging and sprinting. This puts challenges mainly on the aerobic energy system due to the continuous nature of the exercise however the anaerobic system is challenged during periods of high intensity running (sprinting.)
Pros/ Benefits:
- Increases calorie burn (more than walking)
- Weight Loss
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Increased lung capacity
- Reduced blood pressure
- Prevents diabetes
- Burns body fat
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Strengthens the immune system
- Lowers stress levels
- Through Fartlek training you can really challenge the aerobic system (this refers to low intensity exercise) and the anaerobic system (this refers to high intensity exercise.)
Cons:
- It puts more stress on the joints than walking since there is greater impact
Cycling - Form of Cardiovascular Training
Whether you do it on a penny-farthing, a uni-cycle or just an ordinary bike, cycling is great a great form of cardiovascular exercise. Like walking it is very easy on the joints and you can set your own intensity meaning once again you can implement Fartlek training into your training regime.
Pros/ Benefits:
- Increases calorie burn
- Weight Loss
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Increased lung capacity
- Reduced blood pressure
- Prevents diabetes
- It's much easier to find parking
- Burns body fat
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Strengthens the immune system
- Lowers stress levels
- Through Fartlek training you can challenge the aerobic system (this refers to low intensity exercise) and the anaerobic system (this refers to high intensity exercise.)
- You can get a tandem and then take that special someone on it, that way you get exercise and a great date, haha
Cons:
- You need a bike so there is actually a cost involved
- You need to wear a crash helmet, which may mess up you hair
Disclaimer: The material descripted on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information contained in this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any illness, metabolic disorder, disease or health problem. Always consult your physician or health care provider before beginning any nutrition or exercise program. Use of the programs, advice, and information contained in this website and its other websites is at the sole choice and risk of the reader
