Let's get Physical

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Let's get Physical

Recreation for Body and Mind and Spirit

It is often hard to stick to regime of daily exercise for physical fitness. By finding an outdoor activity you enjoy, not only builds a level of fitness for your body, but, re-conditions the mind as well.

Just the matter of getting away from the daily routine of work and home and school and meetings and buisiness or what ever else fills your regular day, allows the mind to relax and become re-energized for a new work week ahead.

There are many social benefits as well. Meeting new people, unrelated to your work or school, helps bring a new appreciation for for life, a better understanding of others, and an added awareness that we all are actually very similar in our wants and hopes and dreams. People who become involved in regular recreation are much less likely to become depressed.

Preparations for Activity

Because our bodies and minds will be using a whole new set of motions and skills, our muscles and metabolism need to be mechanically prepared.

• Know the level of physical fitness required to enjoy the activity you desire to participate in. Do not venture out into an activity for which you are neither physically or mentally prepared for, it will not be rewarding. Several activities require stamina beyond what novices are not prepared for. Long distance hiking, canoeing and kayaking, snowshoeing, to name a few, can be overwhelming and even dangerous for those who are unable to endure for many hours.
• Read up on the activity you are about to venture out on. Prepare yourself with at least the basic terms involved. Even a few ‘dry run’ lessons will help. Terminology is important. Knowing what a painter is rather than just calling it a rope. Knowing what a Carabiner is rather than that metal connecting thingy. Being prepared will give a sense of confidence to tackle the various jobs related to the activity.

• Always prepare for at least one extra day. You cannot know ahead the unforeseen circumstances that may arise. It could be weather, breakdown, injury, or just getting lost. If your prepared, the events of the situation will effect you much less. You will think clearer and the outcome will be much less traumatic. In many cases, could save your life.
• Prepare an itinerary. Write it down, along with addresses and phone numbers and who you will be with and the day and time you expect to return. Leave your itinerary with a trusted friend or relative. This is a must every time you venture out into the ‘wilds’. Even if it's your local ski hill or favorite fishing hole, let someone know where your going and when you will return.
• Keep with you at all times; water and food. Regardless the activity, maintaining hydration and nourishment is very important. You must stay alert and strong.
• Plan your adventure within the time you have. Give yourself time to prepare and time after to relax.
  • Three Day Weekend: No longer than two days.
  • One Week: No longer than five days.
  • Two Weeks: No longer than eleven days.

• As part of your preparations, learn some stretching routines. You will be using muscles that you do not normally use in ways that you are not accustomed to. Stretching before venturing out, limbers the muscles and prepares the tendons and lessons the chance of cramping.
• Make sure all your equipment is in proper working order before heading out.
• In most areas of the country, a cell phone is an important piece of your equipment. Take an extra set of batteries.
• Leave your work and your daily affairs at home. Your going out for re-creation. Enjoy yourself come back re-newed.
• One more thing; Take pictures. Memories are a lasting experience.

Back To Activities

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