Movement, Motivation and the Outdoors: Interview with Lorrie Mickelson

Fit is Freedom with Kelly Howard

Episode Summary

We’re flipping the script with this week’s episode of the Fit is Freedom Podcast! With her blessing, I’ll be sharing with you a conversation I had with the wonderful Lorrie Mickelson. Not too long ago, we got together to discuss our passion for the great outdoors, which includes:

• Why you should head outdoors
• How to get started with an outdoor activity
• What can happen once you’re outside
• Tips for a successful experience

Working Out in the Great Outdoors

Lorrie and I both have a passion for the great outdoors. From my past as a sailor and long-distance skate racer to discovering my love for hiking, kayaking, and helping women like me realize that they can do these things too, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of prioritizing the great outdoors.

Advantages of heading outdoors

In Europe, doctors literally prescribe their patients to spend time outside. So, there’s got to be something amazing about it, right? Right! Spending time outdoors can do so much. It can clear your brain, heighten your mood, lower your stress, make you more relaxed, get your body moving, and so much more.

What Should I Do?

Maybe you’ve heard all of these amazing benefits of moving your body in the great outdoors, but you just don’t know what you should do. If this is the case, start by asking yourself these simple questions…

• What is in my area?
• What do I want to do?
• What do I need to do it?
• What have I always wanted to do?

No matter your age or what you think your limitations are, just remember you can get there.

How Do I Get Started?

If you want to try an outdoor activity, like hiking or kayaking, it’s important not to overthink it. More often than not, we know a lot more than we think we do. There are just a few essentials that can help you get started safely, which include:

• Making sure you’re dressed for the weather
• Making sure you have water
• Making sure you know the route or trail
• Making sure you tell someone where you are going

Whenever you start something new, start slow, build your way up, and trust the process!

Final Tips

Once you’ve determined what you want to do, what you need, and how you’re going to do it, here are my final tips for getting yourself out there and soaking up the benefits of working out in the great outdoors…

-Schedule it. It’s important to get it on the calendar if you want to get it done. If you take the time to put it on your schedule, you’re much more likely to get out there and do it!

-Know you can do it. One of the biggest things I’ve seen with women is their self-doubt. Negative self-talk can really impact our abilities. If you’re starting something new, start with the belief that you can do it. You’ll be amazed at what you will be able to do!