Guest post by Boom Rizal
Living with jampacked schedules, having countless things to do, being stressed day in and
day out — don’t you just wish you could take a breather from all of these?
One tried-and-tested but oft-neglected solution is outdoor recreation.
Robert Manning, professor of recreation management at the University of Vermont, said
that spending time outdoors offers a range of benefits such as maintaining a healthy weight
and developing better social ties.
” Trek the most wonderful terrain,
breathe in the freshest whiff of air,
and bask in the best beaches
in the world.”
Break away from your daily routine and immerse yourself in the exhilarating beauty of the
great outdoors.
Trek the most wonderful terrain, breathe in the freshest whiff of air, and bask in the best
beaches in the world.
No matter what your needs and preferences are, there is always an outdoor adventure to suit you.
Reap physical, emotional, social, and intellectual benefits with these outdoor sports activities.
Get Moving with Hiking
Hiking enables you to connect with yourself and the nature, leading to a healthier and happier life.
Photo Courtesy of Moyan Brenn via Flickr, Creative Commons
Feeling the earth underneath your feet as you trek terrains and see lovely scenes does not
only get you to exercise all of your muscles.
Aside from making you fit, hiking also enables you to connect with yourself and the nature,
leading to a healthier and happier life.
Need to get those creative juices flowing?
Outdoor walks boost creativity by as much as 50 percent.
What’s more, hiking has been suggested to help cancer patients in the healing process.
To get started, go for short distances first. Over time, you’ll build up the strength and endurance
for longer trails.
Pack light, but do not forget to bring the essentials like water, snacks, emergency shelter, sunscreen,
bug spray, and a first aid kit.
Also, to double the fun and for your safety, bring at least one buddy who knows how to navigate the area.
Get It On and Go for Horseback Riding
Horseback riding engages your muscles all over and improves flexibility.
Photo Courtesy of FaceMePLS via Flickr, Creative Commons
Live out your cowgirl or equestrienne dreams by getting on a horse.
Horseback riding trains your core muscles as you try to maintain your balance and coordination
on the moving horse.
A cardiovascular activity, this exercise engages your muscles all over and improves flexibility.
While riding on a horse is a challenging sport especially for beginners, it can mentally calm you
down as your only focus is on the horse.
Over time, you’ll appreciate the beauty of working with this creature as you get around on it.
For safe horseback riding sessions, beginners should be guided with the horse’s caretaker or
someone who knows how to deal with horses.
Always make sure to wear a helmet, which is a must regardless of your age and experience.
There’s Nothing like Running
Exercising outdoors is more challenging, improves disposition and makes people more
committed to fitness activities.
Photo courtesy of Peter Mooney via Flickr, Creative Commons
You may have a treadmill right in your home, but nothing beats running outdoors.
According to studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, running outside is
a more challenging workout as people move their muscles differently.
This is because of the wind resistance and changes in terrain that the outdoors have.
Exercising outdoors also improves disposition, which is attributed to sunlight, and makes people
more committed to fitness activities.
Before you set off, make sure that you have good running shoes and that you do some warm
up exercises.
While running, relax your hands at your waist level, position your arms at a 90 degree angle,
and keep your elbows at your sides.
Straighten up your body, with your chin up and shoulders level.
Do not worry about your pace, you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Just enjoy, alternate running and walking if you must, and lastly, cool down after running.
Enjoy the View at the Top through Parasailing
Feel the adrenaline rush of being launched towards the sky and be filled with euphoria
as your feet dangle in the air.
Photo courtesy of androoouk via Flickr, Creative Commons
An extreme outdoor activity that takes sea-viewing to a whole different level, parasailing lets
you see an amazing panoramic view of the sea from a hundred feet above.
Feel the adrenaline rush of being launched towards the sky and be filled with euphoria as your
feet dangle in the air.
Moreover, breathe in the healthy goodness of the fresh air.
It has been found out that sea air contains negative ions that improve your body’s absorption
of oxygen and keeps serotonin, a hormone linked to stress, in check.
Explore Under the Sea with Scuba Diving
Diving is a great way to build strength and stamina, exercise your lungs, meet new people and connect with a community of divers.
Photo courtesy of bhinddalenes via Flickr, Creative Commons
Working with water beefs up your strength and stamina as you swim your way around.
Moreover, you will get to learn more about slow, meditative breathing through the scuba
diving gear, making it a great exercise your lungs.
Be rewarded, too, with the awesome sight of the diverse marine life under the sea.
To top it all, diving is a great way to meet new people and connect with a community of divers.
For a unique scuba diving experience, go to an island you’ve never been to before.
Check out this guide to Boracay Island, which includes choices for adventure and accommodation.
Enrol in scuba diving lessons, be active, sign up for programs, and get to know the local diving scene.
Take care of your equipment.
If you are thinking of doing more diving, keep a record of pertinent details such as your weighting,
gas consumption, and equipment.
Get on the Board and Try Kiteboarding
Firm up your arm muscles and feel the thrill of the wind and the sea by kiteboarding.
Photo courtesy of juan.aguere via Flickr, Creative Commons
The next time you hit the beach, why just lounge on the sand when you can feel the thrill of the
wind and the sea?
Kiteboarding is a different kind of challenge as you skim across the water surface, trying hard to
balance on a board.
Firm up your arm muscles and hold on tight to the rope connected to the kite above that takes
advantage of the winds.
To get into kiteboarding, sign up for classes and go from there.
It may take some time to master this sport, but you will eventually say that this is worth it.
It certainly helps to take a break from the daily grind of modern living.
Head Outdoors for a Holistic Health Boost
Learn how to unplug from technology, free up your schedule, and go back to the basics: spending
time outdoors for a holistic health boost.
Fight a sedentary lifestyle, have a sharp mind, get in touch with yourself, and connect with people
and nature.
After all, with all the beautiful fields, mountains, and beaches out there, why spend all of your free
time confined inside your comfort zone?
About the author
Boom Rizal is the author of BetterJoys.com. Learn more about her by following her @boomrizal.
What are your favorite outdoor fitness activities?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
“Shared on Tuesdays with a Twist”
These are great ideas. My natural outside activity is walking. The last time I rode a horse. The horse just took off when it wanted to. The horse seemed to enjoying moving more than I did.
Great ideas I already love hiking, running ad riding 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
YES! I love being outdoors and have been so grateful to live somewhere that I can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. I love running & hiking especially – I would love to try parasailing and scuba diving though!