Have you ever wondered why your body feels different in a good way after you come home from an outdoor park? Sports recreation in outdoor parks is rapidly becoming the fitness choice of many people. Every day, millions of people leave their homes, offices and schools to find refuge in outdoor parks.

In recent surveys of all ages participating in sports recreation at outdoor parks, the most frequent reason for going to outdoor parks is to think. Simply the act of getting away and being alone with nature provides a positive mental attitude adjustment. For many, this is a wonderful time for spiritual thoughts and prayers while surrounded by God's creation.

Our hectic schedules, deadlines and family commitments can rob us of our vital need to be alone with our own thoughts. Without this opportunity to unwind, think, talk to our inner self, we suffocate on outside demands we place on ourselves.

Sunshine and fresh air are powerful ways of recharging our bodies. Sunshine provides vitamin D through our skin. This much needed vitamin enhances our mood and keeps our bodies in shape. Simply ask a friend or relative living in the northwestern area of the United States. Many people living in Washington State and Oregon will take trips to sunny Arizona or southern California to get "sunshine."

A really good time to visit an outdoor park for sports recreation is right after a large rainfall. The air "smells" crystal clear. Your nose perks up in wonder. For those of us in cities with smog and stagnant air, we feel incredibly powerful through our senses.

Exercise and bonding with your animal ranks very high on survey lists about recreation. Your animal, like us, requires frequent exercise. Is it any wonder that overweight animals tend to mimic their owners simply due to mirroring the owner's exercise habits? Dogs are not the only pet that enjoys the outdoors. Our guinea pig and rabbit love to go with us to the park. A small foldable metal pen allows them to graze and jump around. Your pet deserves the same exercise benefits that you enjoy. Take them along!

Join a pick up game of basketball, soccer, football or start your own. Outdoor parks are full of single people and friends begging for group sports recreation. Some of these pickup games involve former college and semi-pro players that refuse to give up their passion for the sport. Be warned – the pickup games will give you a serious fitness workout!

Trails, woods and rivers or lakes of water are common in outdoor parks. On busy weekends the trails look like rush hour on Monday morning. Bicycles, joggers, skaters and walkers compete for the pine mulch softness and escape of a well groomed trail.

Don't forget that most dogs love water. A stream or shallow lake makes for a great workout for your best friend. Remember to bring the towels for a wet ride home though. Many lakes will allow fishing and some allow row boats. If you have not rowed a boat in many years, you will discover the long lost muscles screaming to get out. This is wonderful for upper body workouts. A couple alone in a row boat in the middle of a lake at dusk creates memories not soon forgotten in our lifetime.

Monkey bars and other workout stations are frequently located in good outdoor parks. These stations typically have directions and guidance for sets of exercises. This is more proof where a large gym of equipment is not necessary to get back in shape. Dips, pull-ups, push-ups and squats provide excellent exercises to tone up your body. Where is a better place to workout except in the middle of nature? Seize the moment to get fit at a station.

Basketball, tennis and handball courts are also available in many parks. It is not uncommon to wait hours to join a pick-up game in basketball. The tennis courts are usually full too on pretty days so arrive early. Handball is one exercise that seems to be a well kept secret. This is similar to racquetball but with only one flat surface. Running around this court chasing a little rubber ball with your hands will provide incredible fitness benefits. The wall is used for tennis players in practice or while waiting on a court.

So what are you waiting for? Turn off that computer or television set and GET OUT. Get out of the house. Get out of your office. Take a friend or family member. Outdoor parks for sports recreation is one of the best kept secrets for getting and staying in shape. Now, GET OUT!

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