By Cheryl Kindig Estes, NSCA-CPT,  UK Health & Wellness Graduate Assistant

 

Spring is finally here and the temperatures outside are finally beginning to warm. So make the most out of the season and take your workout outdoors. There are multiple benefits to getting outside. Fresh air and sunshine (with sunscreen!) is good for the body and the mind. In addition, it will keep your workout from getting stagnant. Change it up and go outside. Here are some ideas and tips on how to get the most of your outdoor workout.

 

Walking/Hiking/Running - Find a path that takes you through some of the scenic areas of our beautiful state. The Arboretum on UK's campus has a great walking path around many native Kentucky plants and flowers where you can follow the trail through The Woods of the Arboretum to see many of the trees native to Kentucky. Many nature preserves are open to the public and have great hiking paths through some of our state's pristine vegetation. Remember to wear breathable clothing, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water on your adventure.

 

Swimming - Do you find yourself anxiously waiting for Memorial Day for the public pools to open?  Swimming is one of the best low-impact aerobic exercises you can do. Find a public pool near you or go jump in the lake, literally. Kentucky has many outdoor public swimming pools and dozens of lakes. Again, remember to bring the sunscreen and reapply often.

 

Biking - Riding a stationary bike is a great way to get adequate cardiovascular exercise; however, biking outdoors will reap even more benefits. Get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bluegrass and you will actually get a better and more strenuous workout than you would on the stationary bike. An added benefit is that UK employees can use Departmental Blue Bikes for free at Wildcat Wheels. So even if you do not own a bike, you can still get out there and enjoy the outdoors while getting in your workout. Be sure to wear a helmet.

 

Yoga - There is no better way to connect to the earth than by taking your yoga practice outdoors. All you need is a mat, a somewhat level surface, and (of course) sunscreen and water. Music is not needed because the sensual sounds of nature are already working for you. Be sure to watch for rocks or sticks that may be under your mat. Enjoy the sounds and scenes of the outdoors asyou connect your mind and body.

 

Helpful links:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/

http://www.kyrailtrail.org/
http://naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=200
http://kylakes.com/

http://www.uky.edu/HR/wellness/wildcatwheels.html

  

Check out the recipes from our recent Healthy One-Pot Meals Cooking Class.   
 

 

New to the Body Shop? Have questions? May's Membership Specialist, Cheryl Kindig Estes, NSCA-CPT, a Graduate Assistant for Health & Wellness, is here to help you. Feel free to ask her questions, offer suggestions, or set up a time to get oriented to the Body Shop facilities. You can find her in both facilities. Click here to read Body Shop staff profiles.