Go Green! Exercise-wise…

In honor of St. Patty’s day I’m challenging you all to go green, and by that I mean turn off your treadmills, power down your ellipticals, turn off your TV’s and get outside! After a long winter here in Utah, i couldn’t be happier to finally see the sunshine and have the temperature warm enough to be able to workout outside again. I was speaking to one of my clients the other day about how she was going to get her cardio in while being away from home with no gym access. After asking her how she could make it possible while away, she made me laugh by remarking, “Heaven forbid i actually got outside and used one of those, what do they call them??…sidewalks??” I laughed because its been so cold that hasn’t even been an option. BUT what a great option it is. There are so many reasons why i promote getting outside and working out. First and foremost…you have to get home. There is no stop button. More than likely you’ll go further. You are forced to work with the terrain. Inclines, declines, curbs, wind resistance…all forcing you to burn more calories. Outside you are more likely to pump those arms instead of grabbing on to handrails. More movement = more calories burned. I’m a people watcher so being outside also takes my attention away from the fact that I’m working out. Finish out your outdoor workout with some resistance training… walking lunges, push ups, triceps dips on a bench or chair, squats in place, the plank, crunches, etc… Aside from the benefits of exercise you’ll benefit from the sunshine as well! Sunshine increases your Seratonin levels and can increase Vitamin D production; lightening your mood, strengthening your bones, and increasing your health all over. I don’t know about you, but I say bring on the sunshine!