The Great ‘Irish’ Outdoors!
Filed under:
Motivation & Inspiration
Lorraine Ho, Founder, Bootcamp Ireland and Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Judge
Don’t you just love being Irish? I do! I’m living in Dublin most of my life and after spending a few years in other countries like Australia and America enjoying their outdoor lifestyle I have come to appreciate what fantastic outdoor spaces our own country has to offer.
With the help and encouragement of an army buddy, I have established myself within the outdoor fitness world and for more than a decade I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy working to instil a habit among Bootcamp Ireland members to enjoy getting fit in the beauty of Mother Natures’ Gym – the Great Outdoors. Nowadays, everywhere I go I see people of all ages and fitness levels out training in the parks, on the roads and generally enjoying the fantastic outdoor green spaces that are on offer for free.
I’ve two little boys now, a one year old and a two year old, so I don’t have the abundance of time that I had before they arrived, but making simple changes in my life allows me to keep active and stay energetic for my family.
If like myself you have a young family at home then include them in your active lifestyle, by taking them out for walks and bike rides and the likes. Keeping fit outdoors is one of the very few things that all families can enjoy together and you can make it one of the best gifts you give your children if you can build this habit of a lifetime with them. With all the choices out there for people, we really have no excuse to not keep active.
Afterall, why wouldn’t we want to be active, being active keeps you happy. There are times when taking the easy option is often the lazy option, but not the best option. Energy makes energy and by simple movement throughout your day, you can help yourself be more energetic and positive overall.
Tips on how to be more active throughout your day:
- If you drive to work, can you walk instead, or maybe park somewhere further from work so you walk some of the way?
- Instead of sitting down at your desk for a full hour at lunch, bring in your runners, and go for a walk for thirty minutes. It might keep you from over-eating too.
- Instead of driving the kids to school, maybe walk them with their favorite scooter or bike. Kids love this and will be happier and less stressed.
- If you need to go to the shop, instead of talking the car, make a walk out of it.
- Wash the car by hand instead of driving it through a car wash. The kids love this too.
- Instead of watching mind numbing rubbish on TV, put on your ear phones and go for a walk listening to your favorite music, or use the time to catch up with phonecalls on the go with friends or family!
Why not try taking the more active choices for just one day and see how you feel at the end of the day. I guarantee that you will feel better for it. You never complain or feel guilty about just having been for a walk, but most likely enjoy it and feel happy and refreshed and even sleep better that night.
The Coca Cola Thank-You Fund is a fantastic way for you to get more active in your local community. They are giving away €125,000 in five separate grants. The Fund will provide major funding for sport and activity based programmes, taking an innovative approach to getting local communities moving. All you have to do is come up with an idea and apply! There are so many ways to get more involved through sports and activities in your community, just think of:
- Things that you love doing; walking, running, swimming, ball sports, watersports, team sports and lots more.
- People that are around families, youth, elderly, sporty types, young professionals
- Positive and energetic activities; dancing, hiking, walking, sport days and more.
Whatever your idea is, it’s well worth applying for the Fund! You never know where it might take you and how it might change peoples’ lives and make your community a happier place bursting with activity.
Lorraine Ho, Founder of Bootcamp Ireland, is a judge for this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. Voluntary and non-profit organisations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund (the Fund), which will award a total of €125,000 in five separate grants this year. The grants will serve as major funding for innovative projects with ideas to get people and communities moving through sport and activity based programmes.
Applications for the Fund are being accepted online until 6pm on the 16th of June at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou
