MONROE - Although it is tempting to stay in air-conditioned comfort while exercising in the summer months, outdoor fitness can be easy in Monroe.
"Any green space can be a workout space," Monroe personal trainer Nancy Ingold said. "All you need is space and your own body."
Monroe, which has more than 100 acres of city parks, is ideal for outdoor fitness, Ingold said. Twining Park, in particular, has a small workout area with simple equipment for body-weight exercises.
However, Ingold said she believes that many people are intimidated by the equipment and are not sure of how to use it, despite the signs and instructions at the park.
"People are afraid to get out of the air conditioning," Ingold said. "And they see all of this equipment, and they don't know where to start."
Ingold, who has worked in fitness and wellness-related fields for 28 years, said she works with clients ranging from "couch potatoes to athletes" and works with them on various outdoor exercises.
"You don't have to bring any equipment at all," Ingold said. "You can do pushups against a tree or do dips on a park bench."
While Ingold also owns her own indoor studio, which she opened in 2006, she said she also sets up a small obstacle course in her backyard in the summer months.
"There's a lot of mental health benefits for working outside," Ingold said. "Changes of scenery make you more likely to stick with a regimen. Plus, there's the vitamin D from the sunlight."
Ingold said Twining Park's equipment and sizable hills make it one of her preferred spaces in Monroe, although she said she frequently also utilizes the several trails throughout town.
Of course, Ingold advised people to be aware of when parks are sprayed with pesticides before working out. In addition, outdoor exercises might not be ideal for people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
"I've seen a lot of the same people working out or running outside, but I'd love to see more," Ingold said. "I'd love to see more people choosing to remain healthy and age well."
"Any green space can be a workout space," Monroe personal trainer Nancy Ingold said. "All you need is space and your own body."
Monroe, which has more than 100 acres of city parks, is ideal for outdoor fitness, Ingold said. Twining Park, in particular, has a small workout area with simple equipment for body-weight exercises.
However, Ingold said she believes that many people are intimidated by the equipment and are not sure of how to use it, despite the signs and instructions at the park.
"People are afraid to get out of the air conditioning," Ingold said. "And they see all of this equipment, and they don't know where to start."
Ingold, who has worked in fitness and wellness-related fields for 28 years, said she works with clients ranging from "couch potatoes to athletes" and works with them on various outdoor exercises.
"You don't have to bring any equipment at all," Ingold said. "You can do pushups against a tree or do dips on a park bench."
While Ingold also owns her own indoor studio, which she opened in 2006, she said she also sets up a small obstacle course in her backyard in the summer months.
"There's a lot of mental health benefits for working outside," Ingold said. "Changes of scenery make you more likely to stick with a regimen. Plus, there's the vitamin D from the sunlight."
Ingold said Twining Park's equipment and sizable hills make it one of her preferred spaces in Monroe, although she said she frequently also utilizes the several trails throughout town.
Of course, Ingold advised people to be aware of when parks are sprayed with pesticides before working out. In addition, outdoor exercises might not be ideal for people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
"I've seen a lot of the same people working out or running outside, but I'd love to see more," Ingold said. "I'd love to see more people choosing to remain healthy and age well."
