Weight Loss Surgery Forums

by Jeremy Gentles, MA, CSCS

 

Staying active outdoors during the summer can certainly present its challenges but summer also provides opportunities to participate in activities that may not be available any other time of year. As an exercise physiologist, it is often frustrating to see other professionals constantly relying on recommendations out of some textbook in order to encourage people to get active. As a society, if we are to beat this epidemic of obesity and associated diseases, we really need to reconnect with the physical adventures, experiences and work that our bodies are designed to participate in. Sure, hitting the gym or going for a walk are excellent ways to increase your level of fitness, but the summer can provide us with unique and creative ways to live an active life.

 

Ok, so hiking is certainly not a new suggestion for getting active. National Parks and State Forests all over the nation provide unique opportunities to explore some of your local hidden treasures. Click here for a list of National Parks and here for a list of State Forests. I live here in Northeast Tennessee and a couple of my local favorites are Smokey Mountain National Park and DuPont State Forest across the border in North Carolina. Places like DuPont State Forest are excellent because you can get a several mile hike in, and see a number of great waterfalls along the way.

 

That same portable GPS or Global Positioning System device that you use in a car or take on a hike can also be used for Geocaching. Geocaching, sometimes referred to as a high tech game of hide and seek, involves hiding a cache containing random objects and a log book at a specific location or coordinate. One person hides an object and reports those coordinates to a site like www.geocaching.com. Other individuals looking for an adventure look for that item and once found, replace it with another and the game begins again. This game of high tech hide and seek can take place all over the globe. Oh, and if you bring the kids along, preview the contents of the cache before you let them take a look ;).

 

Check out this video from geocaching.com and give it a try!

 

Many farms such as blueberry and strawberry farms allow the general public to come in and pick berries and other fruit by the bucket full. Sites such as www.localharvest.org can help you find local farms that invite the public in enjoy these summer fruits.

 

Kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting and fishing are water based activities that can be done all over the country. Kayaking and canoeing lessons can be found at many public and university pools, whitewater rafting companies across the U.S. can provide you with any level of adventure you are comfortable. Check out http://www.raftingamerica.com/ for kayaking and canoeing clinics as well as whitewater opportunities throughout the country.

Google Maps
A couple of months ago, Google Maps introduced a new bike route feature. The new bike route feature allows you to find popular bike routes in your area or anywhere else in the country. You can also create custom routes if you use a route or trails that is not already available.  

Work the Garden
For many hot weather fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, cucumbers and others, its still not too late to repurpose a small piece of your yard to plant a garden. Don’t have enough space in your yard for a traditional vegetable garden? If you have a sunny spot, a container garden is a perfect choice to grow your favorite veggies with limited space. Check out www.organicgardening.com for some great tips to get started with your home garden.

In next month’s newsletter I will step out of my exercise shoes and switch gears a bit. For next month I am writing a plate comparison of many typical fast foods or manufactured foods vs. what I have grown in my own gardens and purchased at the local farmers market.  

How do you stay active during the summer? Share your creative and unique ideas for staying active throughout the summer below.