I can’t say I remember my very first camping trip, but it was likely with my Girl Scout troop in elementary school. What I do remember is falling in love with walks through the woods, stargazing outside of my cabin, eating campfire meals with my mesh kit, and singing songs by the fire for hours. (“Linger” was my favorite and I can still belt it—real-time renditions available upon request.)
Thankfully, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my camping and hiking adventures from the woods of PA and Hickory Run State Park (a go-to spot for my fam) to places like the Rocky Mountains, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and most recently, the Catskills.
What I love about being in nature, beyond the breathtaking views at the top of a hike or on the way to the summit, is how spending time outside boils life down to the simplest pleasures. You don’t need constant entertainment to feel content and happy. You can just think and observe and enjoy the beauty around you. Something as low-key as listening to trees blowing in the wind has the ability to instantly make you feel at ease—particularly if you’re tuning in from a hammock. And having that time to wind down and focus on the little things works wonders for resetting the mind.
It’s also easier to stay present in each moment when you have your devices packed away and your attention on the task at hand, whether that’s climbing a mountain or roasting a perfectly browned marshmallow. To top it off, if you’re lucky enough to have people (or puppies!) around you during those nature excursions, well, that just means you also have ample time for bonding, laughing, and reminiscing about the day’s journey while sipping brews or cuddling with a furball by the fire.
After a weekend spent in the woods, doing a little “glamping” via Getaway House (highly recommend!) and hosted by Eddie Bauer, I realized just how much exploring the outdoors affects my happiness and positive perspective. I’ve had such amazing experiences trekking the earth that I want those with less access to green space to get to enjoy it, too. So, this fall, I’ll be running the NYC Marathon in support of one of my favorite charities: The Fresh Air Fund. This New York City-based non-profit sends kids from low-income communities to summer camp, getting them immersed in nature and new experiences. They also provide enrichment programs throughout the city, as well as college and career coaching, leadership opportunities, and more ways to help kids thrive. (Check out their 2020 video for a glimpse into what they do and how they adjusted in pandemic times.)
You’re bound to get a few more emails from me about the cause, but if you’re ready to donate, check out my fundraising page. And while you’re at it, feel free to share some of your favorite nature-filled memories with your donation, in the comments, or via email. The outdoors can bring up a lot of entertaining and endearing stories and I’d love to hear yours.
A few other people’s words about wellness I’ve read (and loved) recently:
Anne Helen Peterson who pens the newsletter Culture Study recently wrote a great issue analyzing the celebrity of the Peloton instructor. Called “Toward a Unified Theory of Peloton,” she discusses what the stars of each class bring to the Peloton brand, what it means for their personal brands, and how they influence the fitness experience overall. As she says, they’re just masters in making you feel.
Pro skier Drew Petersen opened up about his mental health for an essay for Outside, titled “We Need to Talk About Mental Health in the Mountains.” (Trigger warning: he does talk about suicidal thoughts.) Petersen discusses his struggles, which grew more intense after a rock fell on him while ski mountaineering in Mount Hood, OR. He opens up about the therapy he received in the years after the incident and how he addressed his relationship with alcohol and risk-taking. “Much like my own journey, building a culture that supports mental health starts with talking about it,” he says.
You might already know my adoration for Allyson Felix, so I’m here for any story showing her athleticism and drive to support other women. SELF chatted with the track star and mom about her new lifestyle and shoe company, the legacy she hopes to leave after her last Olympic Games, plus how she pulled through training and her Tokyo-qualifying finish for the 400-meter race last week.
The latest updates on the fitness industry:
Another good story out of the track and field Olympic trials: Gabby Thomas won the women’s 200 meters in 21.61 seconds, the third-fastest time in history. She’s also a Harvard grad who’s working on a master’s degree in epidemiology. NBD!
Also, we now know who’s heading to Tokyo for women’s gymnastics, including Simon Biles. Learn more about the athletes on Time.com.
Apple Fitness+ released new episodes this week of its Time to Walk series, featuring artists like Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga.
Good news: It looks like gyms are seeing a bit of a post-pandemic rebound.
Here’s one form cue that always resonates with clients…
These words tend to work for individuals I train as an ah-ha moment for feeling stronger in a move or activating the right muscles. Sometimes just slowing down a move can help you tune into what muscles are working and your body alignment as you go. Take the squat, for example. Try slowing it down, taking 10 seconds or more to lower into position, then 10 seconds or more to stand back up. See how the exercise feels when you go at this glacial pace. You might feel extra engagement in the quads and glutes, the abs working overtime, and the entire body finding more stability as you move. It’s easy to rush through exercises when you want to get them over with, but taking your time is an added (and beneficial) challenge.
One move to add to your exercise routine…
Walking lunges! They turn up the burn on a balance-oriented, single-leg move and help you get stronger for running, walking, biking, life in general. To do it, hold a kettlebell or dumbbell in each hand down by your sides. Step one foot forward, lowering into a lunge position with both knees bending 90 degrees, the back knee just an inch off the ground. Then, drive through the front foot, stepping the back foot forward into a lunge on the other side. If you need to, you can step your feet together in the middle, before performing the lunge on the other side. Continue walking for 30-60 seconds.
For a full workout, try…
Following @CharleeAtkins on IG! She has tons of quick workout routines, often featuring bodyweight moves or those with looped resistance bands. And she often does form checks on exercises like the deadlift and progressions/regressions for moves like the push-up!
The gear I’m loving to get me out the door…
Because it’s 90 degrees and I need clothes that feel like I’m not actually wearing any, I’m loving the Saucony Women’s Rerun Tank. The super lightweight, silky soft material makes it comfortable for hot weather running, as does its sheer back that allows for extra breathable. I also love that it’s a little longer, which means it pairs well with trendy bike shorts!
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