Work Out and Play in Nature for a Strong, Happy and Healthy Body & Mind

I can’t get into nature enough these days, and I don’t anywhere near as often as I should and want to. Time, work, and commitments are, of course, the culprits for this small problem. I can’t complain; I get out onto the beach most days and into the jungle, volcanos, and waterfalls most weekends.

However, my rule of thumb is a trip to nature at least once a week. Time and busy schedules are a problem for all of us, I know. However, breaking that cycle and belief system is key to a healthier body and mind. We can all do it if we try!

I decided to write this article today to remind myself of this and do my best to inspire you and others to get outside and explore nature’s gifts as your playground and workout stops. Playing and working go hand in hand if you are in the great outdoors. Working out becomes fun and easy to do, and you complete it all in one while making yourself super happy and inspired in the wild!

So I thought I’d share a few things I do as often as I can. Some are crazy, some are tough, and some are mesmerizing, yet all of them amount to great fun.

Waterfall Jumping

Probably one of the nuttiest things one can do, especially at the age of 52. But it’s so much darn fun and exhilarating to do! Some 7 years ago, when I wasn’t keto or healthy like today, there would’ve been no way you’d get me to jump off those cliffs into the abyss.

But after I lost 45lbs and got myself fit again, due to my keto & primal lifestyle, I fully regained my confidence and daredevil sense. That small side effect of this lifestyle came entirely unexpected, and what a great surprise this beautiful benefit was!

There’s nothing more fun and inspiring than driving into the wilderness, hiking to the waterfalls, surrounded by stunning jungles, and then taking the leap of faith and jumping off a 20-meter cliff!

Waterfall Cliff Jump, Aling Aling, Bali

Hill Sprints on an Active Volcano

As if hiking a 2300-meter active volcano on steep trails isn’t enough of a challenge, on this day, I got inspired to add a few super steep hill sprints into the mix halfway up the volcano.

You can see from the video how steep this section is, and sprinting up this trail after hiking for 45-minutes isn’t easy; it requires passion and motivation, which is what bit me that morning. I felt so exhilarated that I said, ok, let’s do it, let’s sprint! 3 sets, times 20 seconds each — what a fantastic workout while I was hiking and playing in nature. I didn’t plan this; it just happened out of pure inspiration.

Hill Sprints on Mount Batur

Volcano Hiking & History Lesson

Hiking is something I have re-discovered since living in Bali. I used to live in Austria, surrounded by mountains. As I was skiing every winter, I became a professional ski racer on the hill every day.

In the summertime, I’d run up trails to the so-called “Alms,” — small restaurants/farms tucked away in the middle of nowhere, or I’d hike up to a summit or run from one summit to another. That was always excellent training (especially at the high altitude) and great fun!

I had to stop and give it up in the ’90s after a skiing accident caused severe knee damage. Once I arrived in Bali in 2018, someone said; Let’s go hiking. I was like, what? Bali is about beaches, isn’t it? And that was when I started to discover the real Bali and its natural treasures to find, explore and enjoy.

So many folks hang around in the south and don’t bother to venture north to the mountains and jungle areas, instead choosing to use gyms as their workout stations. To each their own, but I can tell you that spending quality time in nature is far more rewarding and beneficial to your body and mind than gym time!

While in nature, I always try to talk with locals and learn about the area’s history, region, and people. That in itself is incredibly interesting and inspirational. I believe it’s essential to learn about the history and people of the area you are exploring and not be oblivious to that. Otherwise, you’re just a tourist.

The Batur History Lesson with my Guide

Random 5-Minute Plank

And lastly, something completely different. When I was walking the beach, I decided to attempt a random approach at a 5-minute plank. The longest I’d done previously was 2 minutes and 30 seconds, so this attempt seemed a bit far-fetched.

What the heck I said? Challenge yourself and do it. Why did I even think about doing this — it wasn’t planned! The beach walk, the air, the sensation of freedom outdoors gave me the idea — so I did. Just like that! Try it, push yourself to the limit from time to time; it’s fun!

5-minute Plank Challenge

Conclusion.

Book a little time for yourself in your busy schedule and make room for a day or even a half-day trip into nature — trust me, it’s golden for body and mind!

The benefits of spending time in nature, being active, working out, playing, or just resting are tremendous: