Get Up, Get Outside and Get Your Blood Pumping

Tired of being cooped up? Dealing with “pandemic paralysis” and the mid-winter blahs? Your back and bottom sore from sitting all day staring at a computer screen? Had enough of binge watching your favorite Netflix series or movie for the third time? Sick of rearranging the clothes in all your closets and purging old files? Then this column is for you.  

It’s time to get up, get outside and get your blood pumping! Come on people, no excuses. If you are ready, willing and able, it’s simply a matter of getting it done. Get up and move around the house and better yet, bundle up, get outside and breathe some fresh air.

Just to be safe, let’s begin with a disclaimer, like the ones you get when you call a doctor’s office these days. If you are experiencing any physical or emotional concerns about going outside during the pandemic, then stay inside and disregard the outdoor part of this column. But even if you are quarantined, remember to get up periodically, walk around and exercise as best you can in your home. Oh, and stay hydrated.

You have to be intentional about getting your heart pumping and the blood flowing through your veins. It’s just too easy to sit on your couch or in your chair in your new remote office at home and become sedentary. While the physical and mental benefits of exercise, especially outdoors, are common knowledge, check out “Five Ways Being Outdoors Can Make You Healthier and Happier” from Sharp Health’s Erica Price, a certified therapeutic recreational specialist, titled for a quick refresher:

1. Lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress 
2. Improves mood 
3. Improves focus 
4. Helps us heal quicker 
5. Supports graceful aging

Sounds like common sense to me. So, what are you waiting for? Mask up and hit the road. Get out and walk around your neighborhood, find one of the many sidewalks, walking paths or local parks to get your steps in. If you are a bit more adventurous, get out to the local trails. There are plenty of trails for you to choose from, especially if you live in Centre County. Download the AllTrails or MyTrails apps and you can find flat trails, steep trails, creekside trails, you name it.  

If you are like me, working out on a Peloton or Total Gym alone in the basement is slightly below having teeth pulled among things I least look forward to doing. I personally find little joy from those types of workouts. I know I should, and my kids are all over me to use them, but I personally have a tough time with them even though the Peloton is a slick set up. I envy those of you who can jump on a treadmill or a stationary bike or do a yoga class off the internet. If you are so inclined, please do these activities. But get outside when you can as well because there is nothing like fresh air especially when the sun is shining.

If you need a little motivation, get an accountability partner or a group of friends who will encourage you to get up and get out. As my wife likes to remind me, if it weren’t for her, my kids and friends planning some of the walks and hikes, I may find an excuse not to go. I am an extrovert after all, and this darned pandemic has been especially hard on folks like me. I miss the social aspect of being in the locker room and on the bench with friends and teammates while playing adult hockey. No offense to my awesome friend Barkley (the family dog), but sometimes I prefer taking a long walk or hike with human companions. The best hikes are when the family goes, and we can take Barkley with us.

If you do decide to venture out, be sure to follow the CDC guidelines when you go:

“You should be wearing a mask outside if:  It is difficult to maintain the recommended 6-foot social distancing from others (such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy or walking on a busy street or in a crowded neighborhood).  Many areas now have mandatory masking regulations when in public.”

For those of you that are comfortable, there are other activities that can help beat the winter blahs even during a pandemic. Check out the activities at places like Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and other Centre Region Parks and Recreation offerings.  If you want to combine your outdoor activity with a little adventure, check out The Happy Valley Takeout Trail. 

This is also a beautiful time to hit the slopes at Tussey Mountain, take the kids sledding at Slab Cabin Run or skate on an outdoor pond (just be sure you have checked the ice properly and never skate alone). If you are fortunate to have a friend who has an outdoor rink on their property, then by all means get out, especially since Pegula Ice Arena is closed to the public right now. My sons and I have experienced the sheer joy of skating outdoors and as a hockey enthusiast, there is something spiritual when you lace up your skates and play on natural ice.  

Are you a golfer? Then get on the Penn State Golf Course website and book a round of golf on one of their two indoor simulators where you can choose to play some of the top golf courses in the world. I’ve enjoyed playing Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island and Torey Pines in San Diego California with my son Ryan and some friends. At least I didn’t take a 10 on the 18^th hole at Torrey Pines like I did when I played the actual course a few years ago.

When all else fails, if you feel comfortable flying (which is probably safer now than ever), splurge a little and head to a warmer climate for a week or two. The health benefits of the warmth and sunshine are indisputable. For those of you snowbirds that are already south, you have absolutely no excuses. Get outside and get moving.

We can all make plenty of excuses for not wanting to go through the process of getting dressed appropriately and getting outdoors during the winter weather. It’s up to you to take care of yourself and I hope that this column will provide a little motivation. Now get up, get outside and get your blood pumping!