The Great Outdoors

Going to the gym is a great way to stay committed to one’s fitness and since a big part of my job is teaching group fitness classes, I am obviously a big advocate.  In the gym, you don’t have to worry about weather and it’s nice to go somewhere where everybody knows your name.  That said, I am all about mixing things up and as a trainer as well as for my own personal workouts, I am all about sweating in the great outdoors.  In fact, research shows that exercising outdoors lowers stress levels far more effectively than working out indoors.  The feeling of exhilaration after an outdoor run in extreme weather can be addictive, making one more likely to stick to with it.  Outdoor exercise can burn up to 20 percent more calories than indoor exercise as your body fights to remain stable on uneven ground and maintain its temperature in all kinds of weather.  With focus on the effort and not a TV, book or magazine, most people will experience a “harder” workout outdoors.  Finally, with so many people deficient in the all important vitamin D, an outdoor workout might be just what the doctor ordered, boosting D levels, which helps keep bones strong and cuts heart disease.  Most everywhere I can think of, October is a perfect month to get moving in the great outdoors. Though I will be teaching 3 classes at TFC today, you can be sure I will be getting my outdoor fix in, as well, starting with my daily walk with the big red guy.  Could you resist this face?

Blaze, heading out for his morning walk.