Summer is finally here! What are some of your favorite warm weather activities? Do you wait all winter for days on the beach? Or are you planning out your garden in February? In my house we start planning camping trips early in the year and our first one is coming up this Fourth of July weekend!
Camping is one of my favorite ways to get out and enjoy nature. It forces you to put a little extra effort into all that you do, whether it’s cooking your meals or rationing your water supply, there is definitely something to be learned and taken away from roughing it a bit and having to be creative. It also forces you to use your muscles differently. Hiking and carrying all of your belongs with you is an intense workout and taking stretching breaks is very important. Even the less strenuous activates, like squatting down to build your campfire, can put a strain on your muscles, not to mention sleeping on the ground.
Planning out healthy meals can be another creative challenge. You want things that are easy to pack but also filling and good for you. I always make sure to pack lots of veggies and easy things to grill as well as granola for an easy breakfast. I also freeze our extra water bottles to use as cold packs and then have extra drinking water once they melt. Staying hydrated, especially when it’s hot out, will help you to stay alert and prevent muscle cramping. Do you have any go to camping meals? I could always use some inspiration!
Lastly, one of the most important things you can do to keep your camping trip fun and not wake up in the morning feeling like you are a million years old is to STRETCH. Stretch before and after your hike, stretch while you’re grilling your dinner, and stretch before you crawl into your tent to go to sleep. And then come in for an adjustment when you’re back home J
Wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July from all of us at AHC!
- Emily
