Grow Your Own Backyard Garden Gym
Let’s face it. After spending so much time indoors due to the cold and dreary weather, we are just itching to get outside when the sun comes out and the temperature starts to rise. Whether it be out on a hike or in our own backyard, a number of studies have found connecting with nature can have numerous positive effects. They can include relieving stress to improving our physical health. Believe it or not our backyard can be much more than a catch all for weeds or just for your vegetable garden. It can turn into a backyard oasis where you can enjoy the greenery as well as, get this…some exercise!
The Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden featured at the National Home Show is an innovative concept designed by landscape architect Shawn Gallaugher Design and constructed by Floristerra Greenhouses and Landscape Centre.
Otium is a designed landscape garden that combines a form of boot camp style exercises in the outdoors which focuses on strengthening your overall health, your well being and creating a stronger connection between you and nature. The concept is unique as the design features of the garden are used as part of an exercise circuit that is planned for the space. It’s a garden and a gym that is easy on the eyes and tough on the body.
Here are some of the exercises that can be performed in the garden using the arbour, a medicine ball, resistance bands and a retaining wall.
Hanging Leg Raises
*Hang from the arbour and raise your legs until your torso makes a 90-degree angle with your legs.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps.
Tricep Overhead Extension
*Lift a medicine ball or attach resistance bands around the post and pull overhead.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps.
Single Leg Lunge
*Take large step back with one leg and place your foot on retaining wall. Lower your body toward the ground until your other leg forms a 90-degree angle.
Reps: 10 reps each leg.
Pull Down
*Attach resistance band to a top cross bar of the arbour and kneel on the ground. Pull down until your hands are inline with your chest.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps.
Tip: Concentrate on squeezing your back muscles
Does this have you re-thinking how you use your backyard? Let us know what your plans are for your exercise garden oasis.
Photos: Shawn Gallaugher
Model: Zak Gotkin
