Summer is coming and whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to burn some calories, physical activity can be exciting, entertaining and stress relieving. Unlike a walk in the park, outdoor adventures like hiking, paddling, climbing or sailing require energy, focus and preparation. The following tips are to help step out of your comfort zone and prepare for epic adventures all summer long.
Improve your physical stamina. Practice exercises with consistent workouts:
- Indoor stair climbers can help build leg muscles.
- Weight lifting can strengthen upper body.
- Repetitions up and down a long flight of stairs can improve stamina.
Build confidence with mental preparation:
- Mentally break up your workouts into smaller chunks.
- Write down the things your body does well.
- Listen to music to get your head in the game.
- Tell yourself you’ll feel better when you work out.
Eat a balanced diet:
- Watch portion sizes. Eating too much before exercise can leave you feeling sluggish. Eating too little, might not give you the energy you need to keep feeling strong.
- Eat after exercise. Eat a meal that contains both carbohydrates and proteins to help muscles recover.
Stay hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after activity to keep muscles working and avoid fatigue, headache and even confusion.
- A good test of dehydration is the color of your urine. If it’s pale and clear it means you’re well hydrated. The darker it is, the more fluid you need to drink.
Gear up:
- Clothing should allow air to reach your skin so it can dry sweat.
- A hat or cap can provide sun protection in the hotter months and keep you warm in the colder weather.
- Shoes should protect your feet with cushioned soles, arch support and fit properly.
Adopt and maintain a positive attitude to believe in and enjoy yourself.
“Then I realized that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid. So I did it. I lost my fear and gained my whole life.” Anonymous