Exercise Outdoors, Enjoy Nature

The benefits of outdoor exercise go beyond fitness. Research shows that an outdoor lifestyle has a positive impact on health. The more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need to achieve natural balance. Utilizing both technology and natural outdoor experiences will increase our intelligence, creative thinking, and productivity. See Richard Louv's 2011 book, The Nature Principle, and his blog: http://richardlouv.com/blog/. The following links provide additional information: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130607.htm, http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/outdoor-exercise-benefits.aspx, http://jamesgreenblattmd.com/blog/?p=75, http://healthvotes.com/exercise-fitness/the-benefits-of-outdoor-exercises-for....

We all need at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity everyday to stay healthy. The good news is that you don't have to work out in a gym to get in shape. Outdoor exercises are just as effective, can be more fun, and have some appealing advantages -- such as no membership fees, clean air, a free daily does of vitamin D, and an opportunity to exercise your mind. When you exercise outdoors, your mind becomes aware of the changing terrain. Whether you use the hills, the sand on a beach, or a winding path, your mind has to focus differently than it would on a flat gym floor.

If you have any health issues, talk to your doctor before starting an outdoor fitness program. Start slowly, and work up. Outdoor exercise can be adapted to anyone's age and level of fitness.

Here are guidelines to get you started: 1) Exercise early in the day, when the air is usually cleaner, the temperature is lower and you will feel better all day long. 2) Don't get burned. Although some sun is good for you, too much sun is not. You can attain normal levels of vitamin D by being outdoors in the sun and exposing your arms and legs for 10 -15 minutes a few times per week. Additional time in the sun warrants sunscreen. 3) Drink enough water. Drink water before exercising and re-hydrate every 30 minutes or so. 4) Make regular exercise part of your lifestyle Think about walking instead of driving. Plan outdoor activities with your family. Go for a hike instead of a drive.

If you are new to outdoor exercise, see the YouTube video for instructions on how to get started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh0KGblkzp4 and links: http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/skip-gyms-exercise-outside.html, http://www.wellnessproposals.com/wellness_proposals_fitness_handouts_outdoors.... Playground workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2hw2530vqU

If you are a gym rat, consider adapting your exercises to the outdoors. Lift logs or rocks instead of weights. Do pull-ups on tree branches, etc. For ideas, see bigmuscleify's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bigmuscleify, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdXkcAnCZpI Circuit plan playground exercises: http://www.livestrong.com/video/135-circuit-plan-playground-exercises/

If you want to exercise the way out ancestors did, check out Primal Fitness. It mimics the hunter/gatherer lifestyle and focuses on ancient movement skills that made our species one of the most adaptable on Earth. Most of the advocates are young, healthy guys. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SZC4EftvlQ, http://theprimalchallenge.wordpress.com/2011/09/10/mov-nat-primal-fitness-com..., http://thecommonsensewarrior.com/tag/primal-fitness/, http://wildmanfitness.com/tag/paleo-fitness/

For me, I just enjoy being outdoors. I hike and bike the trails, walk on downed logs, and climb trees. I learn from the animals I watch. Animals are always moving, always doing something, always working, always exercising. I've attached a video of a recent workout at Pundt Park in Spring, Texas. In this video, my bear puppet and I bike the trails. Bear tells me where to stop and what exercises he wants me to do.

Videography by Ken Kramm, January 2012, Canon Vixia HF S20, Final Cut Pro X. Filmed at Pundt Park, along the Spring Creek Greenway, Spring, Texas. Creative Commons photos from Flickr: 3538952559_52e79b2004_b by LShave, 4550950591_69f63f0325_o by Sheep "R." Music by Jason Shaw: Go Ask Rufus, Don't Stop, and The Big House, Creative Commons, http://www.audionautix.com/index.html.

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[lmmsl]

Great stuff Ken :)Your video was most useful and nicely done...No doubt exercise is beneficial to health especially the outdoor type. Really liked your outdoor exercise moves.. Thanks again and have a lovely Sunday !!

[KennethKramm]

@lmmsl You're welcome. Thanks for visiting.  Ken

[seahue]

Thanks for going out on a limb to bring us another fun, informative, and inspiring vid!

[KennethKramm]

@seahue You're welcome. I'm continually impressed with your creativity, especially with words --- "Going out on a limb" cool. Ken

[bigmuscleify]

LOVELY KEN..OUTDOOR MOVEMENT IN NATURE ROCKS. YOU ARE PRETTY FIT. THANKS FOR THE LINK

[KennethKramm]

@bigmuscleify Thanks for your feedback. I try to stay in shape and am not too bad for an old guy (67). Hope to be climbing trees when I'm 80... Ken

[KennethKramm]

@g0vqw Sandy, I like to seeing your little dog in your videos. Thanks for your feedback. Ken

[g0vqw]

Ken,

You have the best gym in the world in m y opinion! Maybe I should get a bear puppet too as all my hikes and wildcamps are solitary. Could do with some company. I do take a little dog with me on occasions.

Best wishes

Sandy

[KennethKramm]

@MoviesMusicNature Thanks for watching. Spread the word about outdoor exercise.

Ken

[MoviesMusicNature]

Great video Ken with great advice to get outside and move! We can all use some of that advice :-) The more the better.. Thanks for your informative video.