By: Blake Bramer, Owner, 413 Fitness, BS, ACSM-CPT
Publisher’s Note: Through the years I’ve found that some people get into the fitness lifestyle as a way to “fit in”. While it’s good that such a motive gets them active, eventually most people recognize they have deeper spiritual needs. That’s an important reason why I asked Blake Bramer to share about the innovative approach they take at their 413 Fitness training studio. They intentionally help members “fit out”. It is through their deliberate redirecting to active life outside that their members become engaged in exploring the possibilities. These 6 tips can help you start to become more intentional with how God wants to define you rather than how you think fitness defines you. -Brad Bloom, Publisher
Many people make the mistake of only going to a building labeled “Gym” or “Fitness Center” to use his or her strong and able body. Certainly we’ve been blessed with a marvelous physical machine. But the point of exercising isn’t just to look really, really, really good with your favorite Instagram filter. NO! Being physically fit means you have the ability to move better, faster, or stronger.
In an effort to get all of our members at 413 Fitness to embrace what they work so hard for, we intentionally don’t offer personal training the last week of every month. We want to encourage members to go move — outside of the gym! They may go hiking, running, rock climbing, or even cycling.
Based on our outside-the-gym model, I want to encourage you with some different ways you can experience your body’s full potential outside of the training facility.
1. Running Sprinting
When was the last time you got thoroughly out of breath? Many people can go jog a mile and maybe not even break a sweat. As we age, we first lose the ability to move quickly.
No track? No problem. *Drum roll, please…*
I give you: Mailbox/light pole sprints. Doing short sprint intervals is the most reasonable place to start for the average Joe or Jane. Take it to the streets and use mailboxes or light poles as your markers to change your pace. I recommend doing them in this order: walk, jog, sprint, jog, walk. Building up and down smoothly in your pace and cadence will be the easiest on your body to control.
2. Rock climbing / Bouldering
There is no better pound for pound test of strength and coordination than rock climbing. Your mobility will be challenged and your forearms will likely be screaming at you for the foreseeable future.
I recommend finding an indoor climbing facility where you can rent the equipment. In our area, greater Louisville, Kentucky my favorite spot is called Climb Nulu. It is a “bouldering” facility where you climb without a harness. It is a way bigger adrenaline rush for me, even though there are plenty of soft pads below.
Though inside is a good place to start, you’ll want to get outside and find places where rock climbing and bouldering enable you to experience God’s gifts of sunlight, fresh air and natural beauty.
3. Hiking
It wasn’t until a Bible study during the summer of 2017 when I noticed a unique and characteristic mark throughout Jesus discipleship. He retreated to the woods, up a hill or into the desert to be alone with God. Getting out in nature is a great way to break the fast-paced culture of push notifications and speeding tickets.
You get bonus points for running in the woods (especially if you run up hill)! Trail running is my number one preferred exercise and it varies drastically from the concrete jungle to which many of you are accustom. Though you might get some paved steps and a handrail, due to the roots, small (and large) hills, streams, and whatever else comes your way, each stride is different. This is great for lower leg strength and ankle stability.
Last year, some members from 413 Fitness trained together on a 12-week program for The Rugged Red half marathon trail run in Slade, Kentucky at Red River Gorge. It was a BEAST! I’m no distance guy, but I can comfortably assume this half marathon mountain climb is more difficult than a full marathon on any roads. It was a great experience.
4. Cycling
Oh the joys of cycling. Riding a bike is just like running; you are outside and getting some vitamin D, but going way faster.
Read some inspiring stories and get some useful ideas on cycling. Check out cycling articles from two of Lifestyle Media Group’s magazines.
From:
From:
Godspeed – The Ride To Mental Toughness
The Shades of Autumn – Bicycle
- Intramurals /Co-ed leagues
Call your Parks & Rec department or a local church and find what sports leagues are offered. Then rally some friends or guilt trip your co-workers until they agree to join!
Indoor and outdoor soccer
Basketball
Volleyball
Tennis
The list goes on and on…
6. Frisbee/disc golf
Recently I was introduced to disc golf and my life has forever changed. No more Billy Madison bursts of rage because my club doesn’t work right. Alternatively, you can play ultimate Frisbee if you have a big team or group of people! It’s like football, except with no tackling…usually.
There are 101 different ways to celebrate your able body. Use this list as a springboard for finding new activities you enjoy. Finding hobbies outside the gym can be great fuel to your motivation inside the gym!
HOW DO YOU FIT OUT?
Go to the page Destination Oh Yeah now to share your pic and perspective of how you like to take fitness outdoors. Faith & Fitness Magazine readers are known for having the ability to move better, faster, and stronger when they do fitness with others outside. Now’s your chance to let others see and learn from you.
