The President’s Council on Physical Fitness says, “Obesity continues to climb among American adults. Nearly 60 million Americans are obese. More than 108 million adults are either obese or overweight. That means roughly 3 out of 5 Americans carry an unhealthy amount of excess weight.”
Whether you decide to exercise to reduce weight or to increase body strength, exercising outside in nature is a key green lifestyle choice. It increases feel good brain chemicals like serotonin which helps reduce depression. Jeremy Glasgow of Underground Core Fitness is leading me into health via his all-outdoor-in-nature boot camp. My goal is to get more energy and strengthen my back and abs. After experiencing horrible pain and sore muscles the first two weeks, I have finally settled into less pain – kind of a dull throb the day after – and the feeling that I might be able to improve in the near future.
Above, you see me exercising in nature. It looks easy, right? I mean, how difficult could it possibly be? ::eye roll:: Without a doubt, the most important discovery I have made since starting boot camp is I am not as “fit” as I thought I was AND I am a complete and utter klutz. The message here dear readers: believe me, if I can do it – you can do it too!
While other boot campers are elegantly posing in graceful yoga stances, I am wobbling like a five month old standing on my mother’s knees. While other boot campers actually make it through a set of Jeremy the Torturers cardio work-outs(photo right), I am breathing like an 80 year old man with emphysema. Joking and smiling, Jeremy continues to reassure me with his patient voice, “at least you aren’t puking yet!”
Indeed. No puke yet. Emphasis on yet.
There is something wonderful, however, about being in nature while exercising like this. Sunshine on your back, birds singing, deep breaths filled with fresh air – even when we are really exercising hard, I feel like smiling. What a discovery – exercise makes you feel good.
Joining Jeremy’s boot camp has been a challenge, but I also see how it has been a mood-lifter and leaves me feeling good afterwards. Try exercising outdoors to experience the same thing. It works. Remember, if I can do it – you can do it too!
Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com
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