Monday Motivation: cardio at Nature Preserve

Nihat Strider/Staff writer

FIU has a phenomenal outdoor fitness facility, the FIU Nature preserve. Though running on treadmill might be more weather friendly and easier but if you want to enjoy the nature and have a more relaxed run, the FIU nature preserve is the way to go. This week’s Fitness model is Daniella Villati. She is a senior double majoring in Marketing and Management. Villati is a proud Co-captain of the FIU Golden Dazzlers and she is in executive board of Alpha Omicron Pi.

Surrounding the Nature Preserve is a 0.6 mile Jogging/running Path. Research has shown that running stimulates mental health, strengthens our lungs, prevents high blood pressure, strengthens your immune system, helps control weight, physically stronger legs, relieves our stress, increases bone density, increases strength on joints and boosts our confidence. Health and Fitness is achieved by both physical and mental attribute. American Psychological Association has provided evidence that daily exercise benefits our mental being.

As human beings our primary goal while empowering fitness is to stay strong and look young. Expert studies at Stanford Medicine has shown running slows our aging clock. We do not have to run 10s of miles a day. A simple short run or jog will do the job. You do not have to run far to achieve the benefits of running. Remember, the only bad workout is the workout you did not do. One of the commonly believed attribute of running is weakening of knee, joints and legs. Just like any exercise, form is everything. If we do not maintain proper form, we will hurt ourselves. Weight lifting can be deadly if proper form and technique is not maintained. When we run, we have to make sure the impact is on our toes. If we land on our heels, the impact will resonate into our knees and cause pain and injury. Another big factor is the surface of our running path. If we constantly run on solid asphalt and concrete roads, then we will have hard impacts on our legs. Luckily, the running path on FIU nature preserve is very soft but effective. The trail itself is made of approximately 5,640 recycled tires. This sort of surface provides cushioning to the impact and keeps our legs strong and healthy.

FIU nature preserve is open all day and open to the entire FIU community. Anytime of the day or night, whenever you are available, just put your jogging shoes on and head to the nature preserve. The nice cool breeze and the natural beauty will keep you calm and relaxed during your exercises. You can also ask for a partner or a group to join your fitness activities. Other than the jogging, FIU nature preserve has six workout stations targeting different muscles of the body. The abdominal muscles which we all strive for, they have stations to perform sit ups, leg raises and obliques. You can also perform leg lunges to target your lower body muscles. The surface being soft, it will not produce any strong impact on your knees.

Whenever performing exercise, it is essential to stay hydrated. As there are no water fountains in the outdoors, definitely make sure to carry a bottle of water. If you would like, choose your favorite soundtrack to keep you motivated throughout the trail. Stretching is extremely important for running, make sure you stretch before and after you run. If you are jogging at nighttime, you can take a partner with you for increased safety. Definitely wear reflective and bright clothing so you are easily visible. Carry your cell phone for any emergency. No matter when or how, just make sure you are getting your daily exercises. ¨An apple a day keeps the doctor away¨ but a proper exercise routine a day will keep many doctors away!
Motivation Monday is a weekly column covering fitness and health. Nihat is a certified personal trainer, for comments or questions email life@fiusm.com