Earth Day Fitness

This week Thursday April 22, we mark 40 years of celebrating earth day. First proposed by our very own Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, this day was meant to bring the concept of environmental protection to the National agenda.
Most people who live here in the Northwoods are well aware of the importance of our natural resources. Not only do they fuel our economy but we get to enjoy the abundant natural resources on a regular basis.
We appreciate the lakes for fishing, swimming, boating and the woods for hunting, hiking, and snowmobiling. Rivers, bogs, barrens, wetlands, enable us to explore a huge variety of activities within easy driving distance.
Just walking down the street we get to enjoy the smell of pine trees and fresh air. I will always remember soon after my husband and I moved up here from Monona we would just sit on our back porch and breathe. We just could not get over how fresh air was. Breathing became a totally different experience. Too often we take all of this for granted.
So this week, in honor of Earth Day, regardless of your political views, let’s honor the Northwoods and all the ways our spectacularly unique natural resources enhance our lives.
One day this week, head outdoors and take your workout with you.
Take a hike on a trail you have never visited before. Or, you can bring a home gym workout to your backyard. No equipment needed, take advantage of gravity and the things around you. Here’s an example:
Walking Lunges: Begin walking, start taking slower and longer strides. As you step your foot forward, bend it only as far as the knee does not pass the toe with the weight in the heel. The back knee also bends close to the ground. You can add an extra challenge by picking up a good size rock or log. Every time a foot goes forward, you twist from your waist to the same side. The further away from your body you hold the rock the more you engage your core.
This is just one example. It is easy to get active outside, and this week is a great reason to graduate from our winter caves.
So get out. Get active. And don’t forget to breathe.