By Earl Salzman
This is the time of year when it gets easier to achieve your fitness goals. The great outdoors is once again our playground and offers many choices for enjoyable and beneficial exercise. Below are a few examples, chosen for their simplicity and accessibility.
Remember that in order to prevent early season injury and muscle soreness, stretching before and after your activity is important.
Walking – takes little planning and no equipment. Invest in a good pair of walking or running shoes. Get out for at least twenty minutes, three times per week, and you’ve established a degree of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.
Cycling – less stressful on the leg joints, but provides the same cardiovascular benefit as walking, in addition to making arms and shoulders stronger. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Also, plan a route where there is minimal traffic. There are plenty around Markham.
Tennis – readily available at a number of public and private courts. This is a great sport for improving hand/eye coordination as well as heart healthiness.
Basketball – Shooting hoops is great for muscle coordination, balance, leg and arm strength. For more of a challenge, play a game of half court with some friends or your kids.
Soccer – beneficial alone or with a group. Take a ball out to a field and dribble around. Make it part of your walking workout. Invite some friends to kick the ball around. Soccer is a great way to get moving and to shed unwanted winter weight.
Baseball – play catch or join one of the many community leagues. Baseball promotes arm and leg strength. Games involve sprinting, so interval training is a must.
All of these activities are safe and anyone can do them. They promote strength, flexibility and endurance, the three components of fitness. It’s spring at last! So get out there and play!
Earl Salzman is a Certified Personal Trainer and educator, providing one-on-one and group training to private and corporate clients. To contact Earl: 416.529.7173 or muscleandmusic@rogers.com.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
