Josh Fink Reacts to New Article Detailing The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 04, 2013 (Press-News.org) A new article from The Huffington Post Canada discusses the importance of incorporating total body toning exercises into winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. A focus on joint health is also necessary when engaging in these forms of exercise. Josh Fink, an avid snowshoer and hiker, comments on the article.

Geoff Girvitz, owner and head strengthening coach of Toronto-based Bang Fitness, notes that many people participate in skiing, snowboarding, and running outside during the winter months, but these individuals often forget to pay attention to their leg muscles and joints as they workout. He notes that losing focus on the strength of your leg muscles and joints can lead to added soreness and injury.

Girvitz states, "Skiers and snowboarders aren't spending equal amounts of time in all positions. It's important to develop stability and endurance at the joint angles they'll need it most." He suggests that these individuals regularly practice squats and lunges in order to build up the muscles that they will rely on while participating in their favorite outdoor activity.

Despite the chilly temperatures, many individuals actually prefer to exercise during the winter months. Runners enjoy the added challenge, and find that the empty roads make for a more peaceful journey. For those who are unsure about bundling up in order to burn calories, winter activities are often quick yet fun ways to get in shape. For instance, an hour of cross-country skiing can burn about 545 calories. Ice hockey, ice skating, and snowboarding burn about 500 calories per hour, and even taking care of snow on a driveway can get rid of about 400 calories.

Josh Fink comments on these statistics stating, "While outdoor activities are a terrific way to get healthy and get fresh air, it's important that participants engage in proper safety techniques and build up their strength before trying a new form of exercise. It's also smart to take lessons in a new sport if you've never tried it before. This can help to prevent injury."

He goes on to note, "While it may seem as though there is little technique involved in some outdoor activities, in reality, you need proper form in order to avoid overexerting certain muscles and joints."

Besides increased levels of physical fitness, spending time exercising outdoors can also provide mood-boosting benefits. Winter exercises have been shown to reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, thus providing assistance to those who suffer from low energy during the winter months when there is a lack of natural sunlight and days are shorter.

ABOUT:

Josh Fink is an active participant in outdoor sports such as fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and canoeing. As a youth, he spent time scaling some of the world's most impressive peaks, including Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro, and the Matterhorn.