Martin Pazzani, author of Secrets of Aging Well: GET OUTSIDE. The Fitness You Can’t Get in a Gym offers a clear message that getting outdoors will make you healthier in both body and mind.
Martin describes himself as “compulsively curious about the world” and he continues to prove this statement to be true. Martin Pazzani is a fitness executive, founder of Activate Brain & Body, and mountaineer who has taken 100,000,000 uphill steps on seven continents over fifty years.
Martin Pazzani believes in setting goals and designing your life the way you want, at any age. Martin says, “Goals give purpose. It’s good to know what you want. If it’s a lofty goal, you break it down into smaller pieces so it’s attainable and you build confidence.”
Martin says, “I want to give people the feeling that they CAN take charge in the way they age.” At 65, Martin says he and others in his generation are resisting previous beliefs about retiring and slowing down in their 60’s. Instead, they’re breaking boundaries! “Slowing down is the last thing on my mind,” he says.
Martin Pazzani: The list of benefits from getting outdoors is LONG
Martin says the list of benefits in getting outside is long, but even the sunlight in itself has benefits. He says, “We are born to be outside.” Our bodies and brains positively respond to being outdoors.
Walking around indoors or on a predictable, even surface like a treadmill doesn’t require focus, but concentration is required when walking or hiking outdoors. Attention to the surrounding environment and the awareness of the placement of each step brings cognitive benefits.
Before starting a new outdoor regime, Martin advises people to get assessed by a doctor or physical therapist to check for any concerns or limitations. He encourages starting on a treadmill at home or in a gym before getting outside if appropriate. As endurance, strength, and confidence build, the amount of time, distance, and difficulty can be increased.
Maybe a hiker eventually moves to hills, and maybe mountains, but certainly… the view is so much different from higher up!
CLICK HERE for more information on Martin Pazzani’s book!
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
How often do you get outside? Especially in the winter?
Click for more info on setting goals or creating a vision!
Exercising outside has myriad health including stress reduction and keeping my heart healthy.
Martin has written a book that nobody has really covered. I love his book. So far I have hiked 1800 miles of the AT. Camping out at night, enjoying new friends at night around a fire, sharing stories, climbing into a sleeping at night… getting dirty… it’s all good. Martin is right, the gym works, but at times, we all know- “shit, I have to go to the gym today, same ole routine” I go to the gym 6 days a week, and sometimes, well, it’s a chore. So, what other options are there? Get Outside.