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Neighborhood Exercise
Author:
Stan Reents, PharmD
Original Posting:
05/06/2007 01:55 PM
"Neighborhood exercise" is a term I will use to describe any kind of low-tech exercise you might do if you started at your front door and simply used the streets and sidewalks in your neighborhood as your exercise route. This might be something as basic as walking your dog.
Neighborhood exercise is not only appealing to many people, but, I feel it should be encouraged more than it is. Marketing research shows that most people don't care to drive more than 5-6 miles to go to a health club. If the distance is greater than that, generally, they don't maintain a regular exercise program even if they do join.
 BENEFITS OF NEIGHBORHOOD EXERCISE
• Convenience: It's a lot more convenient -- and certainly cheaper -- to exercise in your neighborhood than to join a gym. You don't have to pack up a towel and a change of clothes. You don't waste time driving to and from the gym, or waiting on a machine or treadmill once you get there.
• You're outdoors: Personally, I'd rather do anything outdoors than inside a crowded gym. If you're on a tree-lined street or path and far away from diesel-powered trucks, the air is fresh and clean. Also, getting 15-30 minutes of sunlight is enough to activate vitamin D in your body which, surprisingly, many people are lacking.
• Meet new people: Ever notice that when you're walking or jogging that other people seem to be more likely to smile and say hello? Of course, this can backfire, too. If you are racing along on the sidewalk on your bike or rollerblades, then you'll make some enemies with people who are just walking. But, certainly you're more likely to meet new people if you are outside as opposed to sitting on the couch in your house.
MAKING NEIGHBORHOOD EXERCISE WORK FOR YOU
Maybe going for a walk or a jog every day by yourself is not very appealing to you, or, maybe you are looking for a change from the same old boring routine. If so, then consider some of these ideas:
• Set some new goals: You'll be surprised how your motivation changes when you set new goals. For example, it could be as simple as increasing your daily walk by 5 minutes each day. Or, to add variety, tell yourself to keep walking until you spot 2 people jogging, or 5 houses with bikes or vehicles with bike racks parked in front. (Now you have some located some potential new exercise partners...)
You can also use some web sites to help you set goals. Here are 2:
• Find a partner: Another way to find an exercise partners is to use the web site ExerciseFriends.com.
• Find a personal trainer: Many personal trainers will meet with you outside of a traditional gym or health club. Maybe there is a park close to your house where you can work out. Several organizations have search tools for finding a certified personal trainer in your area:
ORGANIZED NEIGHBORHOOD EXERCISE
If you are looking for groups to exercise with, check your local paper for walking clubs, hiking clubs, biking clubs, rollerblading events, neighborhood 5-K's, etc. You can also stop by a local bike shop or tennis pro shop and ask about group events in your area.
Moms with newborns and infants may want to check out these web sites:
• StrollerFit (www.StrollerFit.com) was started in 1997 and is now a national franchise. It promotes exercise for moms with newborns and infants. According to their web site: "StrollerFit instructors hold nationally-recognized fitness certifications and are infant and adult CPR-certified. They are also specially trained and certified by StrollerFit. Many instructors hold advanced academic degrees in health sciences, fitness and physical therapy."
• Baby Boot Camp (www.BabyBootCamp.com) also caters to moms with young infants.
"EXTREME" NEIGHBORHOOD EXERCISE
If you took neighborhood exercise to the extreme, you'd have what is called "parkour". The name means obstacle course in French and the goal of the sport's traceurs, also known as freerunners, is to run, jump, vault, or climb over obstacles such as park benches, fences, trash containers, shrubs, etc., in the most fluid manner possible. Generally, parkour is practiced in an urban setting, where there are more elements to work with.
Since its inception in 1987, it has spread internationally, with groups in Brazil, Britain, Canada, Sweden and the United States. Mark Toorock, 34, of Berkeley Heights, NJ, estimates there are 1,000 freerunners in the United States, including more than 600 registered on his Web site. California has the most, followed by New York and Massachusetts, with a large contingent in Maryland and Virginia.
For more information on parkour, check out the web site Urban Freeflow: www.UrbanFreeFlow.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you want to add some challenges to your exercise routine, or, need a goal to work for, check out these web sites:
• www.GeezerJock.com caters to baby-boomers who still like exercise and sports competition.
• www.50Plus.org promotes regular exercise for elderly.
• www.PresidentsChallenge.org is a web site for all age groups.
Readers may be interested in the following related stories:
PERSONALIZED FITNESS COUNSELING
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have questions regarding exercise, or simply want some regular
motivation, sign-up for our Fitness Counseling Service. It may be the best investment in your health that you'll ever make.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan Reents, PharmD, is a former healthcare professional. He holds
Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Counselor certifications from the
American Council on Exercise and has been certified as a tennis coach
by USTA. He is the author of Sport and Exercise Pharmacology (published by Human Kinetics). He can be reached at: Editor@athleteinme.com.
Last Revision: 04/30/2010 11:15 AM
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