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By Harry Fenton Fit for Free


Getting fit in the countryside is free. Fresh air, sunlight, a sense of freedom, seeing wildlife and getting away from the TV, are all advantages of exercising outdoors.


he fitness sports ( the ones that make you puff and perspire) that you can participate in outdoors around Dartmouth include: walking, running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, rowing and paddle boarding.


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If you want to increase you fitness by exercising outdoors, there are a few things to consider: It is important to set yourself a goal. Maybe to lose 1lb a week. Trying to achieve your goal will motivate you to get up out of your chair when you don`t want to. It is also crucial to find a type of exercise that you enjoy, otherwise you won`t stick to it for long. Find something that fits in with your lifestyle and get the support of your family. Start carefully, build up your time gradually and try to cool down and stretch properly afterwards. If you are exercising to lose weight, don`t drink sports drinks or eat energy bars, if you do, you will gain weight. They are designed for endurance athletes and are packed full of calories, as are fizzy drinks. Drink tap water instead whilst you exercise. You don`t need expensive clothing but wear comfortable loose garments. There is nothing worse than getting too hot when you are exercising so wear layers that you can take off and put on easily to regulate your temperature. Walking is the best natural


exercise you can do. It strengthens the bones, joints and muscles, works your heart and lungs, uses 300-400 calories per hour and is free. The more you walk the more you will enjoy it. To begin with, if you are unfit, try to walk on flat ground for half an hour. Increase the distance gradually over several weeks. Walk to work or school


Before long you will soon be able to run on the cliff path up to Little Dartmouth and then there will be no stopping you!


every second day and get the bus home. Or get off the bus a couple of stops early and walk. While you are getting used to it avoid Dartmouth`s big hills, they will put you off! To see if you are getting fitter, walk from the Higher Ferry to Dartmouth Castle and back whilst timing yourself. Repeat the walk a month later to see if you have improved your time. For the slightly fitter, Dartmouth Castle to Little Dartmouth on the coast path is a lovely walk. Noss car park to Greenway, through Long Wood is another good stretch. How about doing the SW Coast Path from Brixham to


Prawle Point in small chunks? If you have a OS map you can walk from Old Mill Lane to Dittisham and Cornworthy on footpaths, bridlepaths and rarely used country lanes. Another favourite of mine is from Sainsbury`s bus stop to Blackpool Sands and back via the lanes. It`s not that far and you can rest on the wonderful beach before walking back.


Cycling is a great form of exercise for all age groups. People with fragile backs, knees and hips often benefit from cycling as it doesn`t jar their joints whilst giving them mobility and builds muscles around those weak and stiff limbs. Cyclists generally live longer healthier lives than non-cyclists. If you want to try cycling in the


South Hams buy a bike to suit the hills. Purchase a fairly lightweight cycle with 3 front cogs. That will give you such a low gearing that the hills can become manageable, albeit slowly. I always wear a bright top to be visible to drivers Make sure you learn how to use the gears properly then try cycling to the shops or to work. It`s often quicker than taking the car and far less hassle, especially during the holiday season! The South Hams have some great mountain biking routes. There are miles of bridle paths and unmetalled roads between


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