Get Outdoors With These Must-Try Spring Activities!
Posted
by
WinterWomen
on Friday, March 28, 2014
 Spring, the season of new beginnings, is among us once again. We hope you had an amazing winter and were able to get out there and enjoy a lot of fun winter activities while you had the chance! While the snow may still be present in some areas and the ski resorts have yet to close, there are still many outside activities for you take pleasure in this spring season.
Hike - Go take a hike! No, really, we aren’t being sarcastic here. Hiking not only improves muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness (heart, lungs, and blood vessels), but also lowers the risk of disease and high cholesterol as well as reducing depression and allowing for better quality of sleep. Another great attribute of hiking is weight control: hiking burns up to 370 calories an hour (based on a 154lb person). Just remember to wear proper footwear and appropriate attire for the weather. Also, staying hydrated is extremely important so you don’t overheat or get dehydrated. Water keeps joints lubricated which is important since our body is composed mostly of water, thus reducing the chance of hurt ligaments.
Plant a Garden – It’s easier than you might think! Planting a garden can be very rewarding and allows you to get outside and breath fresh air. Vegetable gardens can save you money and provide you with yummy treats that you can eat raw or cooked, plain, or added to a meal. Flower gardens not only beautify our surroundings but also help decrease air pollution and soil erosion. Whichever type of garden you choose to plant, it may require a small investment to start as you will need the proper tools, seeds and soil additives; however, it will all pay off in the end. We suggest doing some research before you begin, and check out different websites which recommend the best plants to grow in your location and during which month. Visit Home Depot or a home and garden store and talk with an expert. Once you’ve decided what you want to grow, make sure you pick the right spot with plenty of sun, water, and good soil. Then plant away and watch with awe as your garden begins to sprout.
Jog – I feel as though there are two types of people in this world: the ones that like to run/jog and the ones that don’t like to run/jog. I classify myself to be in the latter category, which is quite burdening as I am aware of all the great benefits that jogging can accomplish for oneself. Jogging provides you with physical benefits such as a strengthened heart, weight loss, and muscle development, which leads to a more lean and toned body. You'll burn approximately 250 calories in a half-hour jog and about 500 calories after one hour. There are also mental health benefits experienced during and after jogging. During a jog, endorphins are released into your body, which allow you to feel calm and happy. Some joggers even experience what is often referred to as a “runner’s high,” which is a mild euphoric feeling. Such feelings help relieve stress and the strength and stamina you will build up over time the more you jog will help you feel more confident as well. Yesterday, I took it upon myself to go for a jog for the first time in many moons and to be perfectly honest, it felt awesome. Try it yourself--you'll see what I mean!
Ride a Bike – According to Women’s Health Magazine, the top 7 reasons to start riding a bike are as follows: It torches calories, you can do it on the go, it tones you all over, it boosts energy, it saves your joints, every muscle feels it, and it protects your ticker. We couldn’t agree more. There are environmental benefits as well as you are reducing your carbon footprint. Bike-riding is something you can do alone or with your spouse/partner or friend. You can go at your own pace and it’s one of the most effective workouts you’ll ever do. A 135 lb woman pedaling 12-14 mph burns 488 calories in just 60 minutes. It’s also a great way to get out there and explore nature or interesting scenery around your city. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t fret! There are bike rental centers popping up all over the country. If you are an avid cyclist and seek a personal challenge that will make a difference in your own life as well as the whole world, join a group such as Bike MS.
Now that we’ve shared some of our favorite spring activities, we’d love to hear about yours as well! Feel free to leave your suggestion in the comments below.
Categories:
Health & Fitness
Tagged: health, outdoors, spring
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