We usually live in environments that have been adapted for us. Environments which are designed to offer us maximum comfort and allow us to go about our daily business as efficiently as possible. These environments make life more pleasant, but they can soften us too much; sometimes it’s worth rediscovering the great outdoors to have a bit of a play in.
Don’t worry, we’re not for a moment suggesting that people should give up houses and cars and go back to live in caves! Caves have terrible internet connections, among other problems. However, leaving the relative comfort of your training room and going outside offers numerous benefits.
When traversing environments that have not been adapted for people, you are forced to adapt yourself to them. To do this, you need to think your way through, use some imagination, and tap into some resources you probably haven’t used since you were a child. Natural terrain challenges you in ways that standard, urban environments do not. Besides, you get to see all sorts of cool places most people never get to see!
Even differences in surface can be telling; running on sand is very different to running on grass, and very rocky terrain may force you to shift gear and climb and balance. While it may not sound like much of a workout, you can be sure that it will make you use parts of yourself that you may have forgotten you had.
Once you’re out there, you may as well have some fun. Move and explore. Most exercises you would normally do with weights can be done with a rock or any random heavy object, with the added challenge that they are irregular, forcing you to compensate for them. Coach Mark Rippetoe wrote that one of the problems with machines is that you cannot fall over in them, so there is no challenge to balance. This is the opposite situation – not only are you not supported by a machine, but the things you are lifting are not designed to be lifted!
Climbing stuff is great fun, but it’s also a valuable exercise. As MovNat founder Erwan Le Corre repeatedly noted, actions such as the pull up are good exercises, but they are only part of a complete movement. Doing a pull up hanging from a branch is one thing, but getting on top of the branch is quite another!
Physical conditioning aside, disconnecting from the modern world and getting some sun and fresh air also helps you de-stress. Even if you do nothing particularly strenuous on your outings, that alone should be a valuable take-away.
When you’re working outside, remember to be sensible even if you’re having a great time letting your inner child run wild. First off, always make sure you have some means of communication handy in case of trouble; being in a group is even better.
Secondly, be aware of your own condition. If your body is more conditioned to sitting on a couch and watching TV shows, don’t try to climb cliffs and swim across mighty rivers the first time you head out. As with any form of exercise, a sensible progression is vital.
Start out by walking in a more controlled environment, say around your block. Once you can keep up a good pace, you can head off to the closest park, and eventually on to other open spaces.
Similarly, don’t overestimate your abilities – you don’t want to get stuck anywhere. Also remember to keep water handy, especially on hot days.
Next, always be aware of your surroundings. Hopefully you will not be running amok in places where you might be ambushed by mountain lions, but remember that you’re not in your backyard. Loose rocks and sharp junk can easily spoil your day if you stomp your way through carelessly.
Finally, respect your surroundings. Do not disturb fauna, and be careful not to tramp your way into private property. Don’t be like those guys who damaged a 20 million year old rock formation, and leave the place at least as clean as you found it. Wilderness is a fast diminishing resource, and harming what we have left hurts everyone.
If you like the idea of natural movement, it’s worth the time to visit the fine people at MovNat – they have it down to an art form. Stay safe and have fun!