Ready, Set, Grow!
Harvesting the fruit of the seeds you've sown
I bridge the gap between myself, and health and wellness, through movement. Specifically movement under the ever-watchful eye of our most beloved star —our Sun. Sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood. In addition, the sun also provides: vitamin D, mood, blood pressure, and circadian rhythm regulation, improved skin and immune health.
Exercise produces endorphins, a feel-good hormone that boosts mood and reduces pain by challenging your body. Parks offer various natural elements and open spaces that can be incorporated into your workout routine. Here are some ways to use a park as your gym:
Walking, Jogging or Running: Utilize the park's pathways or trails for a cardio workout of an intensity of your liking. Try speed walking or jogging on flat surfaces. Use the hills for sprints for a jolt of intensity. The park provides a change of scenery and fresh air, and can make your exercise more enjoyable.
Bodyweight Exercises: Perform bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees on grassy areas or park benches. These exercises use your body's weight as resistance and require minimal equipment.
Calisthenics Stations: Some parks have calisthenics or outdoor fitness stations with equipment like pull-up bars, parallel bars, and dip bars. Use these stations for strength training exercises.
Yoga or Stretching: Find a quiet spot in the park and practice yoga or do stretching exercises to improve flexibility and relaxation.
Circuit Training: Set up a circuit training routine using various park features. For example, alternate between running, doing push-ups on a bench, jumping jacks, and using monkey bars for a full-body workout.
Cycling: If the park has bike paths or designated cycling areas, consider biking as a form of cardiovascular exercise.
Skipping Rope: Bring a skipping rope and use it on a flat surface to get an excellent cardio workout.
Play Sports: Organize a game of soccer, basketball, frisbee, or volleyball with friends or family. Playing sports is a fun way to stay active and socialize.
Stair Climbing: If the park has stairs use them for a challenging workout. Climbing stairs is a great way to strengthen your lower body and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Outdoor Classes: Look for outdoor fitness classes or boot camps held in the park. Many communities offer group workouts in parks led by fitness instructors.
Not all parkgoers utilize parks this way, so try to be mindful of how your activities may impact others nearby with different objectives. Also if you find yourself too shy for outdoor exercise, don't count it out just yet. Consider going in the early AM for a much less crowded experience. Don't forget to keep your safety in mind at all times!
