Are you eager to get fit? Do you enjoy camping? Well, put the two together and there’s a good chance you’re going to find fitness while you camp. Provided that “camping” involves a tent or backpacking, the only true ways to camp. Here’s how to make camping work to your physical fitness advantage.
Consider What is Initially Involved
When you camp, you burn calories. And those calories begin to burn well before you hit your camping spot. Indeed, when you pack up all your stuff and lug it to your vehicle, you’ve already begun to burn off energy. You may be tired and hungry, but that’s good news.
Your energy low point will be en route to your camping spot. Hopefully, you’ll only need to spend no more than a few hours behind the wheel before you arrive at your destination. A longer trip requires one or two stops, allowing you to use the facilities, eat, and exercise.
Upon Your Arrival
Arrive at your destination and you’ll be lugging everything your brought with you to your site. If you are backpacking, you’ll carry it all in on your back. That probably means 50 to 75 pounds of gear you may carry for a few miles, one of the most strenuous ways to camp. Likely, you’ll burn off hundreds of calories while building strength in your core muscles. Your biceps, pectorals, back, and leg muscles will be put to the test. And you thought your fitness instructor had it in for you!
If you’re site camping, your walk can be measured in yards, not miles. Still, all that unloading and setting up will give you a great work out too. Count the number of times you go from the car to the site and back again. Also, consider how much energy you must put into setting up the tent, arranging your gear, collecting firewood and simply getting prepared to make your site your home for the next few days.
Head to the Trails
What’s camping without hiking? The two go hand in hand. A robust hike will do wonders for you and work your calf muscles to a level you haven’t seen since you last took to the trails. Your personal trainer may give you a work out and that’s good — you’re prepared to take on the toughest terrain, provided you have the right gear with you, including hiking boots.
Hiking also does so much for the mind, body and soul. Breathe in the fresh air, take in the majestic vistas, and enjoy the solitude. You may find yourself groaning because of the physical pressure at times, but that’s a small price to pay. Give yourself a break by stopping for lunch at a favorite spot where you can take everything in. Once you’re sufficiently rested and rejuvenated, continue with your journey.
Participate in Other Activities
You like camping for a number of reasons, including getting away from it all. Besides hiking, there are other activities to pursue, such as fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting, and so forth. Each activity offers a different level of fitness with fishing perhaps the most sedentary of them all.
The great thing about camping is that you won’t be counting calories or worrying about breaking your usual fitness regimen — you’re easily beating what you do at other times of the week. By the time your latest camping adventure is over, you’ll probably feel the worst for it. Then again, you’ll be ready to resume your exercise plan advises Fitness 19.
Getting Fit
Your personal trainer is a taskmaster and that’s a good thing. With this individual on your case you’ll find camping is not quite the chore it can be for others, including the couple slumming it in the RV next door.
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