Outdoor fitness A means to a lifetime of health
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You don't have to try anything as strenuous as climbing the Long Trail on Mount Mansfield (above) or in Shrewsbury (below) to enjoy hiking the outdoors. JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR / TIMES ARGUS |
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By LINDA FREEMAN Correspondent - Published: November 22, 2009
Seated around the table were fit and healthy- looking folks who spend much of their time outdoors in Vermont. Men and women of all ages who have lived untold hours in the woods, on lakes and ponds, on trails and back roads all gathered together and were happy to share a story or two.
The event was the launch of the Green Mountain Club's impressive "A Century in the Mountains, Celebrating Vermont's Long Trail (2009)" and most of those in attendance were contributors.
Tom Slayton of Montpelier, former editor in chief of Vermont Life Magazine and editor of this newly published book, wrote: "The Green Mountains themselves, once thought of as little more than an inconvenient barrier between eastern and western Vermont, are now recognized as a unique and fascinating resource – economic, recreational, ecological, and spiritual. They are amply supplied with places of grandeur and deep natural beauty."
Times Argus staff photographers Jeb Wallace-Brodeur and Stefan Hard are among those whose stunning photographs function as catalysts to the imagination in this large volume. Vermont extends an invitation to residents and visitors alike to make use of the many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
It is easy to imagine the beautiful views, the exhilarating exercise, cool summer evenings and the brilliant winter days when the sun graces the snow-covered terrain. But consider the health and fitness benefits of daily hours spent outside. Here the air is clean, the terrain uneven to rugged, and the changing seasons both fascinating and challenging.
Walking, hiking, carrying packs, climbing and descending are excellent activities to build muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance and bone density. Outdoor exercise is part of a continuum with clean water, healthy foods, respect for the environment and a sense of community.
Slayton suggests considering the difference between walking and hiking. Bryan Pfeiffer of Plainfield said "Look for the little things on the trail." Not all outdoor experience needs to be fast and furious for health benefits and fitness gains.
"Any given climb is, at its most basic, a walk in the woods," Pfeiffer said.
The Nuquists of Montpelier sum it up. At ages 69 and 73, this youthful and energetic couple said "We get out every day. That's what keeps us very fit."
Reidun Dahle Nuquist, a native of Norway, has been active all her life. Her husband, Andy, grew up in Burlington but "started as a wimpy kid. I was not athletic as a child" he said.
Since their marriage, though, both exercise year round. The couple participates in a wide variety of activities, including regularly scheduled Green Mountain Club outings, informal midweek jaunts with The Trekkers, a group of mostly retired friends, and everyday tasks.
"Build it into your daily routine," Reidune Nuquist said. "Walking is what we do – errands most days. We walk to Shaw's, the library, the post office."
The Nuquists moved to Montpelier when their son was 3 years old. Like many active parents, they took their child along with them on hikes and started him on cross-country skis at age 4.
"There were a few years in early adolescence when we bored him to pieces, but eventually he came around. Somehow he got the virus," she said. Though their son now lives in Boston, he continues to hike and ski whenever he can.
It is never too early nor too late to start. Youngsters growing up in families who participate in healthful outdoor activity, often continue the momentum, the lifestyle. "Some people our age think they're too old," said Nuquist. "Unless there is a health reason, you don't have to quit." Furthermore, you can always begin. Start slowly and gradually build up the time and intensity of your chosen outdoor activity. Joining a group is an excellent means to outdoor exercise in an enjoyable, safe and structured manner.
Groups such as the Green Mountain Club offer companions, direction and commitment.
"GMC is a big part of life. We join and lead outings which guarantee that we do get out. We are committed. We have also adopted a section of trail and love the trail work too," the Nuquists said.
There is little doubt that proper nutrition, adequate exercise and a positive attitude enhance wellness. The Vermont outdoors offers ample opportunity to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Linda Freeman is a certified personal trainer and director of personal training and group exercise at First in Fitness, Berlin and Montpelier.
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