Latest trend is a breath of fresh air
May 14 2007
By Jane Picken, The Evening Chronicle
It might not feel like it, but sunny summer days are just around the corner. Health reporter Jane Picken finds out how you can break out of the gym and get fit outside
From Gateshead's grand Saltwell Park to Newcastle's leafy Jesmond Dene, the North East is littered with perfect outdoor places to exercise in serene surroundings.
Using open grassy areas to do on-the-spot weight lifting, benches for press-ups and winding park pathways for jogging can be the perfect tonic to the confines of a gym.
And people across the region are catching on to exercising in urban parks, with sessions attracting up to 30 fitness fans every time.
"What is happening is that people have tried the gym and exercise classes but they've got bored of them very quickly," explained Newcastle fitness instructor Gary Nash, 38.
"Things like aerobics classes are very repetitive and you tend to know what is coming next but doing a training session outdoors gives lots of chances for variety.
"People really love being outdoors. You get fresh air - not stuffy air conditioning in a gym, and natural lighting, which is a good antidote to office lights."
Gary - best known for his stint on hit reality TV show Bad Lads' Army - founded the Outdoor Fitness Company and holds training sessions in parks and green spaces across Newcastle, from Leazes Park in the city centre to Paddy Freeman's Park near Jesmond Dene.
He believes the great outdoors has far more to offer than expensive piece of equipment which can make it easier to run 10 kilometres or to bench-press an extra 50 kilograms.
"Parks also offer changes in terrain which throws up different challenges and a better workout," said Gary, from Fenham. "And some people tell my they really don't like the gym ethos.
"We've been doing fitness sessions in Newcastle for 12 months now and we've not missed a single session - people have come along even though it's sometimes been raining, snowing or icy. No matter what the weather, there is always something you can do to keep fit."
After serving 13 years in the army Gary set up his own personal training company Summit Fitness, working particularly with people who had experienced limited results in a gym.
A typical one-hour group park session with Gary will start with a 10 minutes' running as a warm-up, with variations including knee lifts and sprinting to get the heart rate going.
After a jog to another part of the park, the hard work really starts with circuit-style training involving short runs, weight lifting, sit-ups and press-ups - each exercise designed to get maximum results.
Gary and his co-trainer Derek Wilson will constantly spur the group members on as they lift kettlebell weights and exercise balls.
"A lot of the training style comes from my experience in the army," added Gary. "The gym we had were very basic and the vast majority of exercise is done outdoors using the body as its resistance with simple equipment. But it gets results, and just shows you don't need a treadmill to improve your stamina or energy levels.
"At the same time I'm not a military instructor and there's no cruel shouting. People need to be encouraged in a positive way, which is what I do."
For more information about the Outdoor Fitness Company, contact Gary on (0191) 241 3738 or 0790 091 8938 or visit www.getfitoutside.co.uk
Top running tips
Maximuscle, the UK's leading sports nutrition brand, has teamed up with sports scientist Lynn Clay to compile tips to help those training for the Great North Run on September 30.
They include:
It's vital to replace lost fluids, carbohydrates and salts within the golden half hour after training to promote maximum rehydration, glycogen storage and recovery.
Get a massage or take an ice bath to help reduce inflammation.
Fuel your running. Ensure carbohydrate stores are full at the start of the run. An average person has the capacity to store just over 2,500 calories of carbs in the body.
Before the run itself eat a light high-carbohydrate breakfast (bagel with jam and a banana is ideal).
Keep in shape with safety
Novice exercisers more used to watching sport than playing sport could end up injuring themselves, according to new research from Men's Health magazine.
The survey reveals that 66% of men questioned had never sought professional advice before embarking on their fitness programme and 74% of them admitted to having injured themselves whilst exercising.
Worryingly 56% of respondents confessed to having carried on exercising while ill or injured.
Men's Health has now drawn up top tips to help anyone train well and keep in shape:
Think quality, not quantity: having one good sessions is better than two poor ones. If your body is telling you it is tired give it a break.
Fuel your fire: make sure you get your diet under control before you start exercising.
Rest time is key: you will need at least one day a week taking a break from exercise.
Flex out: put aside at least 5-10 minutes for a warm up and a similar time to warm up and cool down during an hour work out. This is crucial to avoid muscle damage.
Change your routine: repetitive exercise is both boring and slows down your progress.
Check out the June issue of Men's Health magazine to find out more about healthy eating and exercise.
A perfect stomach
One out of four of people in Newcastle would like stomachs like actor Daniel Craig and popstars Girls Aloud according to a survey.
Cosmetic surgery and treatment company, SurgiCare polled over 2,000 people to reveal that 32% of people would like their stomachs to look different - where as only 8.5% want to change their faces.
The survey also showed regional variations, with the Welsh being the least happy with their bodies, whilst those living in the North East seem the most content with a much lower 60% of people wanting to alter the appearance of a body part.
SurgiCare's Chief Executive, Mark Bury, explained: "No matter how fit and active we are, or how carefully we watch what we eat, many of us have those stubborn areas that just won't go away and more often than not its your tummy."
For more information on Surgicare, go to www.surgicare.co.uk
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