I spotted a couple of my neighbors circling the third floor track at my gym last night as I folded and unfolded myself in a merciless ab machine. The husband is a faithful power walker. It’s been inspiring to watch him morph from beginner to buff over the past few years, blitzing by our yard most afternoons with ankle weights and a cheery wave. But, we hadn’t seen him in a while. I’d started to worry in the vague sort of way I do when something seems “off.”
He confessed that the extreme cold had kept him off our neighborhood streets for a full month. Like me, he has integrated cardio machines into his regimen. Like me though, he finds that they don’t fully measure up to outdoor exercise. Part of it is the ultimately limited range of motion on any machine. The other factor is quite simply “fresh air.”
An all-out stair machine work out can get my heart pounding -and my gym has a big screen movie room where a good flick can sustain the dedicated until closing credits. Rather than risk running on outdoor ice (I’ve matured from reckless to reasonable), I’ve even run the indoor track (once) when I just had to stretch out some muscles. But “fresh air” always wins…
This Saturday will include a “whatever the weather” walk. We’re getting more snow. I don’t know yet if it will be good “running” snow -which would be wet enough for traction, but not so wet as to form snowballs under the heels – a hike in the woods sounds refreshing in any case. Last November, we hiked from “Old Man’s Cave” to “Cedar Falls” in Hocking Hills State Park southeast of Columbus. Icicles still dangled in the deepest shade, but quick climbs generated enough heat to pull of the gloves and unzip my jacket. We had started out late in the day, so I had to curb my camera enthusiasm a little, but the deep breaths of trees and forest floor filled me completely. And that’s the “fresh air” factor…
Click here for more on Hocking Hills State Park
That is true. There is nothing like fresh air!
You are right ! any amount of exercise on a treadmill could not beat a climb up the hill alongwith a wave of clean, fresh air. Interesting pictures !
Take care Heather.
I’m with you guys… Fresh air and sunshine rules. But I’ll do the gym in a heart beat. It’s nice to be able to squeeze in an efficient work out when you’re pressed for time. I just love your dedication!
Heather, what gorgeous nature pics!!!
I have the short stride syndrome happening too when I exercise mostly on the elliptical. When I then walk outside I feel like a little old lady. I must keep those strides strong.
Hugs, JJ
Great photos, Heather. There’s something special about outdoor exercise. I think it’s the connection with nature. It feeds your soul as well as your muscles.
Jean-Luc: ~Always necessary but especially prized through the long cold winter months.
Sadia: My daughter and I had the best times running up the side of Bridge Mountain in Zion NP last summer. Not an easy run, but somehow so much easier than a treadmill because of the surrounding beauty…
Intrepid: I’m glad for the gym option too. While playground monkey bars and some “old-fashioned” push ups will work in a pinch for upper body work, I’m a big fan of the strength training alternatives offered at my gym.
JJ: You can’t be much taller than me. A big stride would be essential in keeping up with that husband of yours!
Donna: So true. That nature connection generates an energy far beyond what one might produce on one’s own.
Heather you must have one great body and be extremely fit. These are some superb shots capturing the best elements of nature. I’m amazed that you caught all this in the later part of the day when you had to curb your shooting.
Cate: My goal is to keep doing what I love as long as physically possible. It’s kind of ironic that the very things I enjoy so much are the same activities that bring good long-term health!
Our Ohio winters can appear colorless from inside our homes, but in the woods, the fadings of winter permit previously hidden colors to pop out in lovely contrast.