Spring into Fitness
(May/June 2008)
Find an activity you enjoy and get out there and start exercising—you’ll reduce your stress and get physically fit
By Wendy E. Dolen, M.S., Physical Activity Program Coordinator, MFit, Health Promotion Division
Spring signifies the awakening of nature and is a wonderful time for outdoor physical activity. There are many benefits of the great outdoors, including increased alertness, decreased stress levels and good old fresh air. Choosing the right activity starts with the end-result you want. Do you want to de-stress, burn calories or both? Next, research your community to find out what’s available. Your local parks and recreation department is a great place to start. Consider signing up for a class or group fitness activity to get excited about exercise. There are many outdoor activities to choose from, including walking, in-line skating, biking, hiking, seated stretching, canoeing and kayaking. Finally, be prepared with the proper exercise equipment and apparel. Always wear appropriate athletic shoes and be sure to check the weather. Being prepared will ensure your healthy lifestyle is a success.
Looking for outdoor activities near work?
- Brighton: Head to Island Lake Recreation area for four miles of paved biking trails plus 18 miles of off-road hiking and 14 miles of off-road biking.
- Canton: Visit Heritage Park and enjoy the walking trails, fishing pier and gazebo around the beautiful ponds.
- Chelsea: Take a nature walk around the hospital grounds or venture further to Timber Town and check out the nature trails through the woods.
- Dexter: Head to Hudson Mills and enjoy 1,600 acres of golf, hiking, biking, fishing, disc golf and trails.
- East Ann Arbor: Visit Gallup Park where arched footbridges connect a series of small islands. Canoes, paddleboats, kayaks and bikes can be rented at the livery.
- Livonia: Cruise a four-mile circuit around the block or head over to Rotary Park and enjoy the extensive hiking trails and walking paths.
- Main Medical Center: Check out Island Park for footbridges and flocks of waterfowl. The dirt road ascending from the woods at the back of the park reaches Cedar Bend Nature Area, a woodland hillside with an opening that offers a partial view of the city’s skyline.
"I really like this article because it touches on a problem I personally have been battling. My best friend was once the adventurer. She would call and we would go. She knew where to go and what to do to get out of the house and move. Since her moving to Tenessee I would love to know where to go to be active. Can you give us some ideas like this in the vicinity of Romulus? That's where I live. I don't have time to go during work but after work I would love to know where to go just to be outside in the fresh air and not be alone. I want to go where there are others so it is safe" - Mary Jo, Psych ER