Let’s face it. We are living in times where pressure and stress have become an unavoidable evil in our daily lives. In a survey carried out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that more than one-third of America’s population is obese and overweight. The question of the hour is, what can be done to tackle this situation and is there a way we can actually improve our health?
While there have been many studies and debate over the years on the subject, there has been but one obvious solution to this problem. We are of course talking about outdoor activities here. Experts believe that staying outdoors can actually help improve our mood, help beat stress and also boost our body’s vitality in the long run.
The following outdoor activities can actually help improve your health.
1. Swimming
Swimming is said to be an all body exercise as it requires the use of all the muscles in the body. This low impact workout is perfect for cardiovascular fitness. The best part is that swimming can be pretty much done by almost everyone, especially people with physical limitations. Water is a cure for stiff joints and is extremely effective for people with musculoskeletal problems and arthritis. People with arthritis can use swimming to increase their strength along with reducing pain and stiffness in their bones and joints while many athletes make use of water to help recover from injuries. Studies also suggest that people who swim on a regular basis are less likely to develop heart diseases, help combat the onset of diabetes and keep in control blood pressure in an individual.
2. Cycling
Cycling is another low-impact exercise with tremendous benefits for muscles and joints. One of the best advantages of this activity is that it can be done anywhere, anytime, with simple attire like basic Bike Shorts. Whether you choose to ride alone or with a friend or your entire family, you can be sure of saving up some good money that would otherwise be spent on getting gas. Moreover, you also help save the environment from pollution by opting for this eco-friendly mode of transportation. Cycling is considered to be an aerobic activity which means that your lungs, blood vessels, and heart all get a workout. Looking for more such interesting health tips, then be sure to visit the frugaltrendsetter.
3. Running
Perhaps the oldest sport and the most widely used form of doing cardio, running has been a part of our identity since the time our forefathers started walking on their feet. Running is a great outdoor activity and one that can be practiced on a daily basis. You can build yourself up to it slowly and then pick up the pace as and how you feel comfortable covering more ground and distance. Another great form of cardiovascular fitness, running gets your blood and heart pumping.
4. Yoga
Yoga may have its roots in India but today, it has spread to every nook and corner of the globe. A spiritual, mental and physical practice that has been around for centuries, Yoga is a good exercise that can be practiced outdoors or from the comfort of your home. The benefits of doing Yoga are immense right from helping you relieve stress, improving your body flexibility and also muscle strength.
5. Hiking
A good old way to get fit and fab, hiking is a regular staple and part of our regular past time in America. Spending time taking the scenes of the mountains and the natural greenery surrounding you is a great way to beat stress and keeping fit. An activity that can be done solo as well as in groups, hiking is the easiest and most affordable activity out there.
6. Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing is an activity that can get your blood pumping with adrenaline. A great outdoor sport, there are many local clubs today that can help you start with the basics. This sport not only has immense health benefits but also helps increase intelligence and your body’s immunity. Regular climbing can increase the body’s overall endurance and muscle strength as the sport involves the use of many muscle groups in the body.
Venture out of your home and try these activities today for a more healthy and active life.
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