Being More Active In 2022

Reconnecting with nature by unplugging and reconnecting.

I came across a 2017 study by natureofamericans.org the other day and it got me to thinking. My priorities, when I am out on an adventure, are out of wack. More on that in minute. The study said that 25% of the 12,000 Americans surveyed spend less than 2 hours a week outdoors and 31% spend 3-5 hours outdoors. Of course we all know that with the increase in technology a growing disconnect with nature has grown. How can we unplug and reconnect to reverse this trend?

For me personally, I have increased my time outdoors over the last 3-4 years. However, I am at my heaviest weight, highest BMI, in my life. How can this be? I will tell you, the only physical activity I see while on an adventure is setting up and breaking down camp! Sad, but true. Sure, I take a hike here or there but nothing that’s been physically challenging. Most of my time is spent exploring forest roads and trails from the comfort of the driver’s seat of my Jeep. When I am not in the Jeep I am sitting in my Nemo Star Gaze luxury camp chair or standing over my skottle cooking my next meal. This routine of inactivity must end.

For 2022 I have set the following goals for myself:

• Start walking 3-4 days a week in the neighborhood. I live adjacent to a ”rails to trails” project called the Greenline. In 3 years of living here, I have been on it twice! Ridiculous!!
• When out on an adventure spend at least 2-3 hours a day hiking.
• Each month increase the miles hiked/walked over the previous month.
• By the end of 2022 hike/walk 500 miles and cut my BMI by 40%.

Are these goals achievable? Sure, some will be easier than others, but I am committed to making a change. I will update my progress here and on the podcast. I hope I can encourage each and everyone of you to do the same!

-Kevin