Excersise - The key to enhanced natural beauty

EXERCISE - THE KEY TO ENHANCED NATURAL BEAUTY AND FEELING GREAT!

ONE WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW

BY Marty Vyn Boennighausen

I spent years paying expensive dues to force myself to attend aerobics classes and do the circuit of weight machines at the popular athletic club, all with the purpose of "staying in shape". The aerobics made my ankles hurt and my chest pound. The club was noisy, not very clean, and smelled funny.

I have always loved the outdoors. When I met my husband, Arthur, I finally found someone to share all the adventures available in the great outdoors. Now I look forward to my exercise time and actually enjoy spending much more time doing it. I believe that a very regular exercise program and a good diet will cure most all physical and mental ills. Get with a program and stay with it!!

Arthur and I are proud to say that our back yard is Rocky Mountain National Park. No matter what the weather or temperature is, the incredible beauty of the park is inspirational, clears the mind, and helps us contribute to the universal soul.

I have put the following together in an attempt to help women who are just starting out in mountaineering adventures. If you have something you would like to contribute to the list, please let me know!!

**GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND EQUIPMENT FOR MOUNTAINEERING:

Here is a list that you probably will say, "I know that", but maybe it will give you a gentle push in the right direction or remind you of something you need to do.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear sun screen on every exposed part of your body. Remember to put some on the back of your hands, to help them stay young looking!
Wear sun glasses to protect your eyes from snow blindness, wrinkles, and possibly cataracts.
Minimize make-up. Let your natural beauty show through. The outdoors will give you a natural glow and exercise will improve your circulation and therefore your skin. Be confident and happy with yourself.
When camping, keep yourself clean! A jump in a mountain lake or stream is well worth the effort when plumbing is not available.
Pack out ALL of your feminine paper "necessities".
Perfume attracts bees. Bee stings are NOT fun in the wilderness. Sings hurt like crazy the first several hours, then itch for possibly days.
Garlic repels mosquito and other bugs. I recommend swallowing a garlic bud whole instead of garlic pills. Ick? If you do this with a meal, I don't think you will notice any bad side effects.
Wear a hat with a visor. I like one with a chin strap so it won't blow off in the wind.
Wear shoes that fit. A little room at the end of the toes is essential in a hiking and ski boot. For mountain biking, I use an old pair of hiking boots.
Got a blister? Your local drug store can supply you with something call "Johnson & Johnson Water Proof First Aid Tape", so you can continue your hike, ski, etc..
I am still searching for the perfect sock. Do you know of one?
If there is a potential for rain, (any time other than winter!), carry a light weight hooded water proof poncho that can be rolled up in your pack. You can get a very inexpensive one at the Army/Navy Surplus store in Boulder, Colo.. Having dry clothes can make or break your day.
Layer your clothing and take a pack to carry to make adjustments in what you are wearing as the temperature changes.
Invest in a good "day pack" for hiking and skiing.
I like to use 2 Pantier packs on my mountain bike so that I don't have to stuff everything in one. The extra weight is not significant if you don't overdo it.
Always have something to drink and a little snack in your pack. Not letting yourself get dehydrated will make a major difference in how you feel.
Use some light weight "liner gloves" and have some heavier mittens.
I know you know that the longer you do anything, the better and stronger you get at it and the more enjoyable it is. So do it!
Don't always look down. It is said that looking forward and around you stimulates your "right brain" functions, your creative center. It certainly gives you a different perspective of the world. Just try it!
I like this quote from Edward Abbey, " What most humans really desire is ...: liberty, spontaneity, nakedness, mystery, wildness, and wilderness".

When in the clear, clean, pristine mountain environment, soak in the colors of your surroundings. Breath in the fresh air more deeply that usual. Listen carefully to the subtle sounds. Absorb all of this into your body and make it part of your very being. Ask all of the natural surroundings to join you and be part of your day. Thank Nature for being one with you.