After a painfully long, cold and gloomy winter here in London we are finally experiencing the first decent stint of weather for quite some time. The first week of spring always reminds me why I like exercising and coaching outdoors so much and I was going to write a blog post about it, summarising all the key benefits of getting outdoors to train.
However checking back through my archives I discovered that almost a year ago to the day I wrote an article which covers everything I would say anyway, so rather than regurgitate everything I have already said I will link you to the 2010 article written almost exactly a year ago.
Have an awesome weekend, hope the sun is shining where you are!
“There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you have got to do is turn around and say, I can. Watch me.”
Layne Beachley
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save & preserve it.”
Plato 427-347 BC
Gymless Training Blog
Time To Get Outdoors
Alistair Ramsay - Friday, March 25, 2011
Movnat with Erwan Le Corre
Alistair Ramsay - Monday, November 01, 2010
Check out this awesome video of Erwan Le Corre displaying elements of his own unique outdoor fitness philosophy. Looks like a lot of fun huh? For those who love this sort of thing Erwan is hosting a workshop in Edinburgh in December. Click on the following link for details - Movnat Scotland Workshop
Laird Hamilton - Force Of Nature
Alistair Ramsay - Tuesday, July 06, 2010
I have just finished 'Force of Nature - Mind, Body, Soul And Of Course Surfing' written by Laird Hamilton, considered by many to be the worlds greatest big wave surfer (as the video below will testify to).
Not only is Laird Hamilton one hell of a surfer, he is also one hell of an athlete. Many of his strength coaches have described him as one of the best they have ever seen!
I was pleased to discover that one of the chapters in 'Force of Nature' is devoted to gymless workouts using bodyweight calisthenics. As Laird says in the book:
"You don't need a gym, and on a beautiful day why would you even want one?"
Laird uses push up variations, squatting/lunging variations, handstands, leg raises and hill sprints to help keep in top condition when he is working out in the great outdoors!
Check out the video below to see if his workouts are helping him perform at the top of the his game....
If you want to check out Laird Hamiltons book then it is available on Amazon. In addition to the training info It has some great stuff on healthy eating, lifestyle philosophies and some stunning photography (seriously, these pictures make me wonder why i live in London!!)
If you have any question/comments regarding this post it would be great to hear from you. Please get in touch using the "comments" link below and I shall aim to get back to you ASAP
Alistair Ramsay
BSc Applied Sports Science
Not only is Laird Hamilton one hell of a surfer, he is also one hell of an athlete. Many of his strength coaches have described him as one of the best they have ever seen!
I was pleased to discover that one of the chapters in 'Force of Nature' is devoted to gymless workouts using bodyweight calisthenics. As Laird says in the book:
"You don't need a gym, and on a beautiful day why would you even want one?"
Laird uses push up variations, squatting/lunging variations, handstands, leg raises and hill sprints to help keep in top condition when he is working out in the great outdoors!
Check out the video below to see if his workouts are helping him perform at the top of the his game....
If you want to check out Laird Hamiltons book then it is available on Amazon. In addition to the training info It has some great stuff on healthy eating, lifestyle philosophies and some stunning photography (seriously, these pictures make me wonder why i live in London!!)
If you have any question/comments regarding this post it would be great to hear from you. Please get in touch using the "comments" link below and I shall aim to get back to you ASAP
Alistair Ramsay
BSc Applied Sports Science
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The Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Training
Alistair Ramsay - Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring has finally come to London and over the last week I have been enjoying some great outdoor fitness training sessions (finally without the rain and snow). For me, nothing beats getting out in the fresh air and completing a challenging workout when the sun is out, the claustrophobic gym environment does not even come close!!
Thought I would use today's blog post to outline some of the reasons why I think outdoor fitness training is such a winner;
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 1 - Escape the Indoors
Research suggests that most of us spend 90% of our time indoors which is a pretty alarming. The human body and mind was never designed to spend 90% of its time secluded from the outdoor world, it is not right.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 2 - Higher Levels of Post Exercise Endorphins
People who train outdoors experience higher levels of post exercise endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous opioid compunds that are produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during exercise. They act as natural pain-relievers and produce a feeling of well being. The name endorphin derives from the words 'endogenous' and 'morphine' i.e a morphine like substance originating from within the body. Training outdoors has been associated with higher levels of these 'feel good' chemicals being produced in the body.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 3 - Invigorating
Fresh air is refreshing and invigorating. This is due in large to the rich negative ion content of fresh air. Negative ions have been linked to an improved sense of well being, increased alertness, decreased anxiety and a lower resting heart rate.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 4 - Boosts Serotonin Levels
Exposure to the outdoors helps boost serotonin levels. Serotonin helps you feel calm, alert and capable
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 5 - Increase in Vitamin D Levels
Sunlight helps supply the body with Vitamin D, a 'superstar' nutrient which helps promote the absorption of calcium, provides strength to bones, reduces systemic inflammation and boosts the immune system. Sadly many of us, particularly in cooler climates fail to get enough sunlight and thus synthesise enough of this great vitamin.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 6 - Exercise Variety
Outdoor training allows you to perfrom exercise routines which are simply not possible in most gyms. Examples would include sprint training, multi-directional running and throwing.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 7 - Get a Tan
Ok, so this is probably a bit optimistic in March, but you know where I am going with this, everyone loves a tan!!
There you go, 7 reasons why you should ditch the gym and get outdoors for your fitness sessions. What are you waiting for?
Thought I would use today's blog post to outline some of the reasons why I think outdoor fitness training is such a winner;
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 1 - Escape the Indoors
Research suggests that most of us spend 90% of our time indoors which is a pretty alarming. The human body and mind was never designed to spend 90% of its time secluded from the outdoor world, it is not right.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 2 - Higher Levels of Post Exercise Endorphins
People who train outdoors experience higher levels of post exercise endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous opioid compunds that are produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during exercise. They act as natural pain-relievers and produce a feeling of well being. The name endorphin derives from the words 'endogenous' and 'morphine' i.e a morphine like substance originating from within the body. Training outdoors has been associated with higher levels of these 'feel good' chemicals being produced in the body.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 3 - Invigorating
Fresh air is refreshing and invigorating. This is due in large to the rich negative ion content of fresh air. Negative ions have been linked to an improved sense of well being, increased alertness, decreased anxiety and a lower resting heart rate.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 4 - Boosts Serotonin Levels
Exposure to the outdoors helps boost serotonin levels. Serotonin helps you feel calm, alert and capable
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 5 - Increase in Vitamin D Levels
Sunlight helps supply the body with Vitamin D, a 'superstar' nutrient which helps promote the absorption of calcium, provides strength to bones, reduces systemic inflammation and boosts the immune system. Sadly many of us, particularly in cooler climates fail to get enough sunlight and thus synthesise enough of this great vitamin.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 6 - Exercise Variety
Outdoor training allows you to perfrom exercise routines which are simply not possible in most gyms. Examples would include sprint training, multi-directional running and throwing.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 7 - Get a Tan
Ok, so this is probably a bit optimistic in March, but you know where I am going with this, everyone loves a tan!!
There you go, 7 reasons why you should ditch the gym and get outdoors for your fitness sessions. What are you waiting for?
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