Outdoor Adventure Fitness Boot Camp is Supercharged by Mother Nature
Being outdoors adds health and wellness benefits to every workout. Catherine Andersen, owner and head coach of Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp, explains the perks received naturally when exercise moves outside.
Milwaukee, WI, July 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. It is recommended that exercisers save indoor workouts for inclement weather and step outside whenever possible for the wellness benefits that come “naturally” during exercise outdoors.
Changes in Terrain
The inclines, declines, bumps and ruts of natural terrain (as opposed to flat, man-made surfaces) mean a need to use a greater variety of muscles; running, walking and hiking on grass fields, trails, hills and other obstacles give all musculoskeletal parts a workout. The more muscles used, the more calories expended, and the spurts of intensity also maximize metabolism. Plus outdoor fitness activity tends to be more engaging and mentally stimulating due to the changing surface and scenery.
Vitamin D
Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D boosts joint and bone health by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is one of the only vitamins produced naturally by the body. But in order for the body to produce vitamin D, it has to be exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight. Generally, an hour per week is sufficient, according to Mayoclinic.com. Vitamin D is known to help prevent cancer, bone disease, depression and to ward off diabetes, gum disease and multiple sclerosis. (Source: “Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2007,” Time Magazine.)
Negative Ions
Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments such as in the mountains, on beaches and near waterfalls. Once these negative ions reach the bloodstream, they are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to lift the spirit, relieve stress, boost daytime energy, increase fitness performance and alleviate allergies.
Freedom of Movement
Many exercises don’t mimic how muscle groups are used together in real life situations. This can lead to imbalances and potential injury. But when exercising outdoors, natural, functional exercises that correspond to how our muscles are normally used is more likely.
Fresh Air
Some health clubs are now charging for oxygen rooms, but there is no charge for taking in fresh air or receiving its benefits. Outdoor exercise boosts the immune system – according to Mayo Clinic, studies show that moderate outdoor exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do.
Practical Perks
Working out in the out of doors offers a range of practical conveniences. Little or no equipment is needed and exercisers can work out anytime and just about anywhere (no excuses). And this is a way to avoid running into irritating people and crowded gyms.
Best Benefit of All
The invigorating and revitalizing effect of watching a sunset, walking along the beach, listening to a river and feeling the waft of a fresh breeze.
About the Author
Catherine Andersen is a certified and authorized Adventure Boot Camp instructor through NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association), and a certified personal trainer through AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Her business, A-List Fitness, offers Adventure Boot Camps in Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Bay View and Elm Grove (www.milwaukeebootcamp.com).
Andersen earned Professional Figure status in the fitness industry in July 2007 at the USA Championships in Las Vegas. She is an International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Professional Figure competitor and is the first and only Figure Pro in the history of Wisconsin. Catherine can be reached at 414-881-5FIT(348) or a.listfitness@yahoo.com.
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Changes in Terrain
The inclines, declines, bumps and ruts of natural terrain (as opposed to flat, man-made surfaces) mean a need to use a greater variety of muscles; running, walking and hiking on grass fields, trails, hills and other obstacles give all musculoskeletal parts a workout. The more muscles used, the more calories expended, and the spurts of intensity also maximize metabolism. Plus outdoor fitness activity tends to be more engaging and mentally stimulating due to the changing surface and scenery.
Vitamin D
Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D boosts joint and bone health by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is one of the only vitamins produced naturally by the body. But in order for the body to produce vitamin D, it has to be exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight. Generally, an hour per week is sufficient, according to Mayoclinic.com. Vitamin D is known to help prevent cancer, bone disease, depression and to ward off diabetes, gum disease and multiple sclerosis. (Source: “Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2007,” Time Magazine.)
Negative Ions
Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments such as in the mountains, on beaches and near waterfalls. Once these negative ions reach the bloodstream, they are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to lift the spirit, relieve stress, boost daytime energy, increase fitness performance and alleviate allergies.
Freedom of Movement
Many exercises don’t mimic how muscle groups are used together in real life situations. This can lead to imbalances and potential injury. But when exercising outdoors, natural, functional exercises that correspond to how our muscles are normally used is more likely.
Fresh Air
Some health clubs are now charging for oxygen rooms, but there is no charge for taking in fresh air or receiving its benefits. Outdoor exercise boosts the immune system – according to Mayo Clinic, studies show that moderate outdoor exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do.
Practical Perks
Working out in the out of doors offers a range of practical conveniences. Little or no equipment is needed and exercisers can work out anytime and just about anywhere (no excuses). And this is a way to avoid running into irritating people and crowded gyms.
Best Benefit of All
The invigorating and revitalizing effect of watching a sunset, walking along the beach, listening to a river and feeling the waft of a fresh breeze.
About the Author
Catherine Andersen is a certified and authorized Adventure Boot Camp instructor through NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association), and a certified personal trainer through AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Her business, A-List Fitness, offers Adventure Boot Camps in Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Bay View and Elm Grove (www.milwaukeebootcamp.com).
Andersen earned Professional Figure status in the fitness industry in July 2007 at the USA Championships in Las Vegas. She is an International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Professional Figure competitor and is the first and only Figure Pro in the history of Wisconsin. Catherine can be reached at 414-881-5FIT(348) or a.listfitness@yahoo.com.
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Chris Davidian
414-964-8871
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