Claire Gurney, physiotherapist and pilates instructor and member of wellbeing business community at Feel Good Norfolk, looks at the health benefits of the great outdoors
Summer is upon us, this means more daylight hours and the opportunity to spend more time outside.
We know so far this year has been a wash out with all the rain we have had but fingers crossed we're heading towards warmer temperatures, and a few more drier spells.
With the health benefits of being outside so huge and us being lucky in Norfolk to have many parks, beaches and countryside on our doorstep, it really does seem like the perfect opportunity to plan some outdoor adventures.
Feel Good Norfolk is a non-profit which has developed free and reliable resources for the people of Norfolk to improve their health.
Founder of FGN, Sarah Groves, said: “As we approach the longest day of the year we have been exploring how to harness the summer energy and embrace the abundance and vitality this season brings”.
As a physiotherapist, I believe that there is an activity out there for almost everyone, whatever your age, fitness and ability there will be something that you can do and enjoy doing, you just need the knowledge, support and drive to get started.
If you want to spend time outdoors and need some inspiration, here are some ideas that are suitable for beginners to the more athletic.
Walks
Head to a city park or National Trust location for trails and walks to follow.
Most will have an accessible pathway, walking trails to follow and benches for a rest stop.
Some of our favourite places to visit are the plantation garden Earlham Road, Norwich.
This beautiful garden is a short walk from Norwich city centre. It can be visited for a small donation throughout the year.
Another lovely place to walk and feel the sea breeze is Gorleston sea front which has an easily accessible car park and a promenade to walk or jog along, which can be extended into a loop through the town.
Get on the water
Head into Norwich or out to the broads for a day on the water, many businesses offer paddle boards and canoes as well as hire boats.
Norfolk Paddle Boards can be found at The Red Lion pub in Norwich and other places across Norfolk.
They offer board hire and coaching sessions for beginners and the more advanced.
Swim
Wild swimming is becoming more popular, with many health benefits.
Wild swimming builds muscular strength and endurance with added resistance from swimming against the waves and current.
Dipping into cold water has benefits for relieving stress and anxiety, helping to regulate breathing rate and our nervous system.
Our favourite beaches for swimming are Mundesley, Cromer, Sheringham and Sea Palling.
You could go say hello to Sauna Box whilst you are at the latter two beaches too!
Outdoor fitness
Many parks across Norfolk hold yoga classes and boot camp sessions in the summer.
Up The Tempo have a running group at Eaton Park, Norwich. Breathe Easy Pilates offers beach Pilates at Sea Palling and Norwich Yoga Central runs yoga sessions at East Runton throughout the summer.
If you are uncertain and thinking, why should I bother? Or how is outdoor exercise better than the gym?
There are many benefits to getting outdoors.
Exercising outdoors boosts vitamin D levels.
Cardiovascular activities such as cycling and jogging lead to a lower resting heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved lung function.
Walking and outdoor “weight bearing” activities build bone density, muscle mass and metabolism if done at least twice per week.
Spending time outdoors benefits our mental health.
Being in a natural environment generates feelings of happiness and calm.
This boots our mood, promotes relaxation and leads to reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. There are many activities available in Norfolk that are accessible and do-able for most people.
If you want to improve your health and mobility, are living with pain or injury and feel like these issues are holding you back, contact me to book a physiotherapy appointment and start your recovery plan - www.clairegurneypilates.com/
Want to find out more about feeling good this summer? Tune into the Feel Good Podcast as the conversations in June are all about basking in the sun's warmth, indulging in outdoor activities, and finding peace and acceptance within ourselves and our circumstances.
Weblink: feelgoodnorfolk.co.uk/feel-good-norfolk-podcast.
You can also sign up to the Feel Good Club to receive instant access to a library of free wellbeing content, as well as discounts and offers on a variety of products and services that promote good health in Norfolk.
Website: feelgoodnorfolk.co.uk/feel-good-club-2
To find out more about the businesses mentioned in this article visit:
www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/plantation-garden
www.https://www.norfolkpaddleboards.com/learn
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