Celebrate Earth Day with Fitness

By Jeffrey Barreto

As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of our planet and embrace nature through outdoor exercise! Letting our bodies connect with nature can benefit us by boosting our immunity and boosting our mental health. For many of us, we work indoors, and we don’t have the opportunity to get nourishment from that precious sun! So here are some ways you can enjoy exercising outdoors while appreciating nature.

1.     Hiking: This is one of my personal favorite pastimes. Hiking is an excellent way to get some low-impact cardio with variable change of terrain that can greatly improve cardiovascular health. Most trails go vertical which can really challenge and strengthen your lower body. The best treat of it all is when you reach the top, you get that beautiful and rewarding view!
   
   

2.     Running: Find some grass in an open field and do some sprints or just do some laps. Better yet let’s make it BAREFOOT! There is no better way to connect and celebrate the earth than taking those shoes off to do something called grounding. Grounding is when you make contact with the earth through grass/dirt/soil/sand/ and even concrete. This allows the body to exchange electrons with the earth potentially neutralizing free radicals. It’s believed that the Earth has a limitless supply of electrons. Although more research needs to be done on grounding, it’s believed that it can have some improved health benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and reduced levels of stress hormones. Personally, I just like the way the grass feels on my toes!

3.     Outdoor circuits: Go get those kettlebells, look around, and find some heavy tree branches or large rocks, and create a fun little workout circuit for yourself.  While you’re at it, invite some strangers passing by to make it social. New opportunities, tans, and some new friends!

4.     Cycling: Most areas now have bikes that you can rent so there is no excuse!  Grab a friend and a bike, create a route, and make the effort for an intense OR leisurely ride. FYI, this is an excellent date activity as well. Whether you want to burn calories or get a decent leg workout.  This is an excellent activity to do outdoors.
   

As you celebrate Earth Day outside with all these fun activities, remember why we’re outdoors to begin with. Respect nature as you’re having fun in it, and help clean up any garbage that may be lying around and help educate others who may not be paying as much attention to it. HAPPY EARTH DAY! 

Jeffrey Barreto is a Fitness Manager at Crunch Fitness.

Crunch’s group fitness classes and personal trainers promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It is an environment built for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now.