Looking at the fitness industry It is awesome to see that it’s growing year on year and that people are becoming more interested in new ways and ideas of pursuing fitness. For decades fitness was a by-product of doing a sport or activity in the main and those that pursued it for its own sake were really ‘out there’ in terms of general society.
This may have been down to lack of necessity in that people lived healthier lives decades ago and didn't need to find fitness as a hobby to remain reasonably healthy.
All that has since changed with the sedentary lifestyle we now live and fitness is born into a new era of necessity to survive, literally!
The period between March 2020 and the present has certainly made people at least consider what health is, perhaps slightly more. Some have remained asleep and have continued to live as they always did with no apprehension of what will really protect them from illness. Those who have ears to hear then let them listen.
At TGMTC we understand that training and exercise is constantly evolving and becoming more and more interesting and we believe the next new and long lasting wave to come is serious outdoor training facilities like ours.
We are the first of its kind in South Wales, but certainly won’t be the last! People are rapidly discovering that fitness combined with the outdoors is a golden ticket to getting in the best shape, and not just physically.
The advantages of someone who trains outdoors over a conventional gym goer are huuuge. Just from a resilience side of things they are leaps and bounds ahead. The outdoorsman or women will be less likely to become ill, their movements patterns are more random creating better coordination and balance, they can handle adversity better because that is what nature provides.
To touch on just a few more, below spells out the benefits you’d receive if you switched even a portion of your training to outside.
It lowers blood pressure and reduces stress which in turn allows you to work harder and increase oxidation within the muscles therefor becoming fitter
You become less of a whinging pony and harden up a little (our opinion)
Forces you to move in a more natural way
More visually stimulating and challenging environment - The Biophilia Effect:
This concept was originally conceived by Dr E.O. Wilson of Harvard University and directly translates as ‘the love of life’. The biophilia effect states that environments rich in visually stimulating scenery, or those which engage the body’s olfactory (scent) or auditory senses (sound) with natural stimuli, can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and increase positive mood, focus and concentration
You don’t have to watch lycra clad posers idolise themselves whilst taking and staring at their own photos excessively
You don’t get as sick
It is believed that human beings have a deep, innate affinity to be at one with nature and that we have an intrinsic and emotional connection with other living organisms. This compulsion is believed to be deeply rooted in our DNA and, when unfulfilled, explains why disease and sickness so often presents
A more functional environment to exercise within
The undulating terrain can help to improve proprioception and resistance to injury. It encourages asymmetrical movement which is what we were designed for
Fresh air helps you to sleep better
Sunshine - vitamin D = enhanced energy generation in the muscles
Studies have shown that physical activity outdoors lowers a person's blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, exercise outdoors feels less strenuous than similar exercise indoors, which, in turn, pushes you closer to your maximum performance. Train outdoors, push yourself to the limit and keep smashing records!
Release the good guys - Endorphins
The release of endorphins during training is clearly felt, it’s that occasional euphoric feeling you get when doing something physical and difficult. This is greatly increased when training outside as there are far more sensory elements being stimulated E.g temp, climate, unusual body movement, wet/dry etc. The more you train the more you get of it!
Endorphins have many benefits, some known and some not so well known.
Some of these include; stronger immune system/less illness, reduced stress, better physical performance, improved sleep and increased concentration
Lasting Stamina
Make chilly outdoor training a habit and you might see metabolic changes. Research shows the cold causes you to switch from burning carbs to fat, elevating your endurance
Appreciate your comforts more
You experience the elements then connect understand the natural world better
Pushes you out of your comfort zone which increases personal growth mentally and physically
The list goes on and on, but the best way to know for sure is to try it for yourself.
The best place to start in South Wales is The Green Mile Training Camp in Taffs Well Cardiff. Come along for a free session and check out what we are doing on the mountain
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