2008 Woodie Awards
Common running in Boston
Transitioning from running inside a gym to outside is tough
Alex Matthews
Issue date: 4/13/06 Section: Sports
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Now that spring is in the air, why not get outside and take it all in? If you are looking to jumpstart your exercise routine to shape up for summer, there are two options: either suck wind at the gym or breathe in the great outdoors.
Granted, downtown Boston is not the most natural setting with the freshest air supply, but exercising outside can provide an interesting alternative to the gym. After a long winter of reading muted TV captions and absorbing the sweatiness of the fitness center, a little space and sunlight could do the body good.
Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) exercise physiologist Stacey Schaedler encourages people to take a break from the gym and step outside.
"It's just nice to have a change," she said of the scenery switch.
Whether working out by the water, on city streets or around Boston Common, checking out the sights rather than staring at the TV can spice up any routine.
Besides, the sun only shines outside. Great weather is not just nice, it is also healthy.
According to Schaedler, sunlight provides the necessary skin-enriching vitamin D, and AOL Diet & Fitness says the body soaks up the most oxygen outdoors. This triggers natural endorphins for a mental and physical boost.
While there are countless reasons to get outside, unfavorable weather ultimately keeps us in.
Advising people to keep an eye on the sky, Schaedler said she recommends wearing layers rather than under-dressing when exercising outdoors.
Even better, although also more expensive, is dry-fit or wick-away clothing that absorbs sweat to prevent chills, she said.
And if you are a fair-weather exerciser, then you should know that outdoor fun does not depend on the sun.
Allergy levels are lower on rainy days and muscles will work harder on windy days.
If the forecast predicts a scorcher, plan to avoid exercising in the mid-day heat, and, as always, slap on some sunscreen and drink lots of fluids to avoid overheating.
Granted, downtown Boston is not the most natural setting with the freshest air supply, but exercising outside can provide an interesting alternative to the gym. After a long winter of reading muted TV captions and absorbing the sweatiness of the fitness center, a little space and sunlight could do the body good.
Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) exercise physiologist Stacey Schaedler encourages people to take a break from the gym and step outside.
"It's just nice to have a change," she said of the scenery switch.
Whether working out by the water, on city streets or around Boston Common, checking out the sights rather than staring at the TV can spice up any routine.
Besides, the sun only shines outside. Great weather is not just nice, it is also healthy.
According to Schaedler, sunlight provides the necessary skin-enriching vitamin D, and AOL Diet & Fitness says the body soaks up the most oxygen outdoors. This triggers natural endorphins for a mental and physical boost.
While there are countless reasons to get outside, unfavorable weather ultimately keeps us in.
Advising people to keep an eye on the sky, Schaedler said she recommends wearing layers rather than under-dressing when exercising outdoors.
Even better, although also more expensive, is dry-fit or wick-away clothing that absorbs sweat to prevent chills, she said.
And if you are a fair-weather exerciser, then you should know that outdoor fun does not depend on the sun.
Allergy levels are lower on rainy days and muscles will work harder on windy days.
If the forecast predicts a scorcher, plan to avoid exercising in the mid-day heat, and, as always, slap on some sunscreen and drink lots of fluids to avoid overheating.
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