Kicking It With Kavi: In Nature

Trinidadian Kinesiologist: Kavi Kowlessar shows us how to stay healthy no matter where we are in our workout regimen by getting out in nature and enjoying the outdoors.

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Where Does Your Passion Lie?

I love being outdoors! Especially where I live in Los Angeles. It really is true as they say, you can go surfing in the ocean in the morning and hit the slopes and snowboard in the afternoon. In high school, I would lose myself in the mountain trails that surrounded the San Fernando Valley. And yes, literally one time I did get lost, and the sun was going down and I started to panic. Long story short, I made my way back and lived to write you this article!

The beauty of being out in nature is that the environment is your gym. The added benefit is that this particular gym pumps fresh oxygen into your lungs and there is no waiting for weights or machines.

There is something phenomenal about us human beings running around outside, connecting to the earth and being all natural. Before I start sounding like “I’m whatever man” and “be all natural brother” and any other hippy-related euphemism that may arise in your mind while reading this, know that there is science behind my claim. Studies have shown that a rise in those feel good hormones, i.e. serotonin and dopamine, rise in your body when you’re out and about being active in nature. So I say, get out to your local park, your local trails, and get all the fresh air and increase in feel good chemicals for FREE.

Where Do I Go From Here?

“But, Kavi, I live in the middle of the city. I don’t even know where to find a park.” Not to worry in this day and age, the internet is our friend and most valuable resource.

I did a quick Google search online and typed in “where can I find local parks” and it read my location and gave me the city website with addresses.

http://cityofpasadena.net/PublicWorks/Pasadena_City_Parks/

If you really want to go big, try checking out the national park website and make a weekend of it. Camping and hiking are core to my outdoor adventures, and I definitely recommend it.

https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

Even if you live in a coastal city, the beach is another great option to get outside and living an active life. I visited my local state website, and they have many choices in the Parks and Recreation section. This cool resource also gave options all along the state including parking prices and local activities.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/

With a little research, you can empower yourself to try something that you’ve never done before. Or more simply, with all the resources at your fingertips, you can incorporate being in nature a few times a week to improve the quality of your life. Remember if something is important to you, you will make time for it.

Less is More

I think simplicity is the best bet when trying to accomplish anything. Why bog yourself down with some sort of complex system or put yourself at a disadvantage from the start? So ideally, you would work out your entire body on a nature expedition. But we all have busy lives. For most efficiency and enjoyment, you want to focus on a little at a time until you become stronger and healthier. Naturally, if you’re amped up and ready to go, feel free to focus on the upper body, lower body, core and cardio all in one. But if you’ve had a stressful day, a brisk walk in the park and meditation may be in order, focusing on your deep breathing and enjoying the sights and sounds around you. As simplicity goes, ideally you want to do as much as possible with the least stress and maximum benefit. Some days you’ll need to push through and throw in four or five sets of pushups and squats, while other days a short jog around the block might be just what you need to free your mind. Only you can decide what is best for your body and what works for you.

Take Home Message

Get outside and get moving. Move your body in meaningful ways that bring fun and excitement in your life. Make this a part of your lifestyle. By being in nature, you can connect to your environment and explore new trails to health and well being. Simplicity is key. Keep your exercises fun and simple and you’ll look better and feel better in no time.

Here is a great resource on breathing

exercises:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41GqbdgYAmE

Benefits of Mediation:

http://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation/meditation-for-you/benefits-of-meditation

Journal of Environmental Psychology: Benefits of Being in Nature

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494409000838

Basic Body Weight Exercises:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEMcHVwzHPA