30 Apr Outdoor workout ideas: Trail running

This is the first in a five-part series on outdoor workout ideas. These can be used to enhance the indoor workouts you’ll continue on home gyms, treadmills, vibration training machines, elliptical, etc.

Now that the weather has finally warmed up across the country, it opens up countless more possibilities to cross train in the good old outdoors.
One of the most exciting, invigorating ways I’ve found to exercise outdoors is trail running.
Say good-bye to cars, city noises and the urban jungle and hello to an exhilarating run through the woods.
Trail running provides a great workout, while also serving as a great stress reliever. It actually unleashes the desire to be closer to nature, which most of us don’t get enough of. This instinctive need actually has a need – it’s called “biophilia” by scientists.
Your biophilia will certainly be relieved with trail running, while you’ll also improve your cardiovascular system, leg strength, coordination and body awareness.
Whether you simply want to run on a trail for exercise and conditioning, or enter a race, trail running can offer something for everyone.
For advanced athletes, there are actually trail running races you can enter. Search the newspapers or Internet for events near where you live.
For some great trail running tips, see my previous blog that provides some expert suggestions.
And if you don’t run much anymore, then try a brisk trail walk.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com