I am writing this article sitting on my back porch. My husband had the day off so we decided to take a long run together this morning.
Well, the run ended up being a little longer than we had planned, and the day was a little hotter than we thought, so that is why I am sitting on my back porch under the ceiling fan. Did I mention it was smoking hot today?
If you are a runner, you know that you get tired of running the same route time after time, so today we decided to do something different. We decided to run somewhere there was shade or at least a little shade.
We ran at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, Tenn. I have run there in the past but just got away from it over the years. In my opinion, it is one of the best places in our area to walk, hike, bike or run.
There are many trails to choose from, and some will take you to places you did not even know existed.
The good news is that there is a flat trail that follows the lake and has a beautiful view.
Of course, we went up the mountain trail and up Cardiac Hill (yes, it is called Cardiac Hill). It was very shady and pleasant compared to other places I have run.
We were especially pleased we did not see any creatures that one could find in the mountains. A snake could really have put a damper on our run.
I want to encourage you to explore the outdoors this summer and fall. It’s beautiful, it’s interesting to see all the views and, best of all, it is free.
Your gym or place of workout could be right outside your front door. If you are like me, you may hate to be indoors when the weather is beautiful, so take your fitness outdoors.
Here are a few tips for you to remember when exercising outdoors in warm weather:
First and foremost, make sure you are well hydrated before going outside for your workout. Hydrate before, during and after your workout. As a general rule, drink about 8 ounces for every 20 minutes you are outside exercising.
The park you choose may even have paddle boats or rowboats to use for fun and exercise at the same time. Just remember to have your sunscreen handy so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting a severe sunburn.
If you have not been exercising outdoors, then increase your intensity slowly to give your body time to acclimate to the different environment.
Wear light, loose fitting clothes. Cotton is always a great choice because it lets your skin breath and dissipate the heat.
The high-tech dry fit clothing by some of the major fitness apparel companies is a great choice because the fabrics are designed to wick the sweat away from your body so it can cool.
Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day. The most dangerous times of the day are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must be outside during those times, keep the intensity of your activity light.
I wanted to mention also that gardening is a wonderful outdoor activity to burn calories, and it is not for the faint of heart. Gardening burns in excess of 250 calories per hour, so your gym may even be your garden. What a great way to get your exercise and eat healthy too.
Explore the idea of your gym being right outside your front door. See you on the trails.
LINDA STOLLINGS is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail her at info@fitprescriptions.com or visit www.fitprescriptions.com.
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