By Staff Reports
(DGIwire) — For too many of us, our attempts to avoid the distractions of everyday life often result in eating junk food and counting the walk from the car to the office as our daily exercise. The combo takes us further away from our natural inclinations towards health. Certainly, it can be difficult to schedule time in to exercise and the stress of trying to find time can often lead us to resent exercise altogether. So, maybe it’s time for a camping journey. Depending upon how it’s done, camping can present a perfect opportunity to focus on your health and fitness.
Camping outdoors offers a great opportunity to get in some physical fitness activity without having it feel like exercise. Time spent in nature can benefit your health in more ways than one.
There are plenty of activities to do while camping that can help your fitness level. Try waking up with the sunrise. Start off the day with some stretches coupled with some deep breathing. While camping you won’t need any of those nature tapes to help you relax: Enjoy the sounds of the birds, breeze and water when you’re in nature.
Hiking is another great way to get exercise while camping. The scenery and fresh air can easily make you forget that hiking is exercise. Be sure that you pick a camping spot that is near a trail that will be appropriate for your fitness level. Also, pack plenty of water. Make sure that you don’t go off alone, as injuries can occur—and there’s always the possibility of getting lost. On that note, trails are recommended, as they’ll keep your stress levels down! Safety must always be a priority, so consider your footgear as well if you are on uneven terrain.
Grab a swim. Or better yet, if you can, try to hike to a stream or lake that is safe to swim in. Taking a refreshing swim after a hike is not only a way to cool off, but also a great way to get some more exercise in. Take some time and just sit next to the water and relax and stretch. The sound of the water is very relaxing.
Other activities that certainly count towards your camping fitness adventure include rock climbing and obstacle courses. However, these both require that you are camping with someone who has these skills and you’ll need the proper equipment. Don’t attempt to rock climb while camping unless you are with an experienced friend or professional. If you want to go on a fitness camping trip with a large group, then you might consider putting together a few obstacle courses and other fun activities that will get your heart rate up while keeping the atmosphere light and fun.
Although s’mores might be the first food you recall when thinking about that good old evening campfire, camping might be the opportunity to eat more natural, healthy foods. You can go fishing and catch your meals. Fishing is not only great fun, but it provides a healthy meal that is better for you than hot dogs. Feeling brave? Some people like to really rough it while camping and eat off the land. If that doesn’t sound like you, then your camping trip might be a good opportunity to focus on just choosing to eat healthier foods. Easiest way to do this? Only bring healthy foods with you! While camping you won’t have the temptation of junk food unless you bring it with you. Make sure that if you plan to fish or hunt that you have the proper licenses and know the rules for the area you’ll be in. Also, you might think that camping is a great opportunity to eat off the land, and it can be, but don’t eat anything that you can’t identify. Be sure you know what it is you’re eating. There are many berries and mushrooms that are poisonous and will ruin your camping trip if consumed.
Camping is a great way to get some fitness in your life. Plan fun camping activities that get you moving around and use the campfire to cook healthy food and your camping trip will be not only fun, but also healthy for friends and family alike.