06-03-2005, 09:40 PM
NEWTOWN, Conn.—A little time outside—shooting, fishing and hunting—might be just what the doctor ordered for millions of Americans.
Health experts and organizations are pointing out the numerous health benefits of traditional outdoor sports. For example, did you know that you can burn 408 calories per hour during a typical pheasant hunt? That's over 100 calories more per hour than in golf or dancing.
"I think the kind of gradual, sustained exercise a day of hunting offers is far more beneficial than a half hour in the gym," said Don Thomas, a Montana medical doctor and avid bow hunter.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s STEP OUTSIDE program is encouraging Americans to “Shoot, Fish, Hunt…Just For the Health of It!”
Surveys show up to 48 million Americans—men and women who don't regularly participate in outdoor sports—would accept an invitation to go target shooting, fishing or hunting. Fifty-four percent of Americans are overweight. So, of the 48 million who would accept an invitation to STEP OUTSIDE, almost 26 million could gain significant health benefits from the physical activity.
"Participation in traditional outdoor sports is trending one direction, while our country's obesity crisis is trending the opposite direction,” said Doug Painter, president of NSSF. “Perhaps that's not coincidental. As our culture becomes more sedentary and detached from nature and outdoor lifestyles, it's no surprise that our collective waistline would begin to pay the price."
"Today we encourage avid sportsmen and women to take someone along on your next outing. Sharing the experience could not only add quality—but also quantity—to both of your lives," Painter said.
STEP OUTSIDE highlights the health benefits of hunting, fishing and target shooting in a new section of [url "http://www.stepoutside.org"]www.stepoutside.org[/url]. Health experts and statistics provide insights to the physical, mental and nutritional benefits of traditional outdoor pursuits.
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Health experts and organizations are pointing out the numerous health benefits of traditional outdoor sports. For example, did you know that you can burn 408 calories per hour during a typical pheasant hunt? That's over 100 calories more per hour than in golf or dancing.
"I think the kind of gradual, sustained exercise a day of hunting offers is far more beneficial than a half hour in the gym," said Don Thomas, a Montana medical doctor and avid bow hunter.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s STEP OUTSIDE program is encouraging Americans to “Shoot, Fish, Hunt…Just For the Health of It!”
Surveys show up to 48 million Americans—men and women who don't regularly participate in outdoor sports—would accept an invitation to go target shooting, fishing or hunting. Fifty-four percent of Americans are overweight. So, of the 48 million who would accept an invitation to STEP OUTSIDE, almost 26 million could gain significant health benefits from the physical activity.
"Participation in traditional outdoor sports is trending one direction, while our country's obesity crisis is trending the opposite direction,” said Doug Painter, president of NSSF. “Perhaps that's not coincidental. As our culture becomes more sedentary and detached from nature and outdoor lifestyles, it's no surprise that our collective waistline would begin to pay the price."
"Today we encourage avid sportsmen and women to take someone along on your next outing. Sharing the experience could not only add quality—but also quantity—to both of your lives," Painter said.
STEP OUTSIDE highlights the health benefits of hunting, fishing and target shooting in a new section of [url "http://www.stepoutside.org"]www.stepoutside.org[/url]. Health experts and statistics provide insights to the physical, mental and nutritional benefits of traditional outdoor pursuits.
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