Spring is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, and with a few simple home modifications, you can regain your mobility and freedom to enjoy nature whenever you like. Installing a ramp, stairlift, or vertical platform lift at your home can provide the support needed to access your yard, garden, nearby trails, and beyond without worry. These enhancements are a great solution to overcoming physical barriers, allowing you to step outside with confidence and embrace the positive benefits of fresh air and exercise. Whether it’s a stroll in the park or enjoying your own backyard, the possibilities for outdoor recreation are within reach. Ready to stop and smell the flowers? Let’s get going.
Exercise and Getting Outside
Getting outside and enjoying the outdoors with fresh air and activity is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle and aging well, and even more importantly, as spring is here! Having an outdoor vertical platform lift or other way to get out of your home can make a huge difference when it comes to your physical and emotional well-being. It may be cliche, but movement truly is the best kind of medicine! It aids in better sleep, improves muscle tone and skeletal strength, and simply makes it easier to do your everyday tasks. In fact, it has been proven that the more you can get outside, the longer you’ll thrive as you age. Having a safe and reliable way to exit your home is exactly the place to start.
Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, making it an excellent way to get outdoors. Even short walks offer numerous benefits, such as improved circulation, better mood, and increased energy. Having a destination, like the grocery store or a favorite park, can add purpose and enjoyment to your walk, making it feel more like an outing than a workout. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, the fresh air and change of scenery are invigorating, helping to boost both physical and mental well-being. Plus, it’s an easy way to start reintroducing activity into your routine.
Harmar Tip: Meeting up with a friend and walking together is a great way to stimulate your brain and your body simultaneously.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a peaceful and rewarding way to connect with nature while getting outside. It’s a gentle activity that doesn’t require a lot of preparation or equipment—just a comfortable spot and a bit of patience. Whether you’re in your backyard, a local park, or a nearby nature reserve, birdwatching offers a chance to observe the beauty and diversity of wildlife. Spotting different species can be incredibly fulfilling, and it encourages you to explore new outdoor spaces. As you slow down and focus on the birds around you, you’ll find both mental relaxation and physical benefits from the time spent outdoors.
Harmar Tip: Consider downloading an app or purchasing a birdwatching book so you can learn about the species you spot. The Audubon Bird Guide and the Merlin Bird ID by Cornell University are great resources for identifying bird calls even if you can’t see the animals.
Park Activities
Parks offer a variety of activities perfect for enjoying the outdoors. For those looking to stay active, relaxed yoga outdoors can help maintain flexibility as you age. Golfing on a nearby course is another excellent way to enjoy fresh air while staying active. If you prefer a more laid-back afternoon, backyard games like bocce, corn hole, and croquet are fun, social options that provide both light exercise and entertainment. Whatever your pace, your local park is a great place to visit for some outdoor enjoyment.
Harmar Tip: A picnic is one of our favorite park activities. It’s a simple yet delightful way to enjoy your lunch surrounded by nature, and it makes a great destination for a walk. It’s even been said that your food tastes better when it’s enjoyed in an al fresco environment!
Gardening
Have a green thumb? Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and make your yard a more beautiful space for both you and your neighbors. Developing your garden allows you to connect with nature while reaping the rewards of your efforts. Whether you’re planting flowers, vegetables, or simply tending to your landscape, gardening is a satisfying and rewarding activity that can keep you active and engaged in your outdoor environment.
Harmar Tip: Gardening offers a practical way to practice fundamental movement skills, such as lifting, digging, and adjusting plants, all of which help maintain strength and flexibility.
Swimming
You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to join us in the lap lanes. Swimming is an excellent way to get outside and stay active, offering a low-impact activity that’s gentle on the joints while providing a full-body workout. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or a nearby lake, the water’s buoyancy helps reduce strain on your body, making it perfect for those looking to improve fitness or maintain mobility. Moving through water engages muscles and boosts cardiovascular health, all while being refreshing and fun. Swimming not only keeps you physically fit but also allows you to enjoy nature, making it a perfect way to stay active outside.
Harmar Tip: Make swimming social by joining a Masters Swim Team in your area. Having a team to train with helps hold you accountable and provides you with some direction, should you want it. Everyone is welcome!
Get Outside With Harmar
There’s so much left to explore. The question is: where to next? If you have more questions about which option is best for you or need help locating a dealer, call 1-800-833-0478 to speak with a customer service representative. We’re always thrilled to talk to our customers about the devices we offer to help them enjoy independent living. Let’s get outside.
