Category: health

Adventure Education

by Fitness Excel, posted in adventure education, camino, fitness for the camino, fitness walking, health, outdoors learning

 

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Adventure education is a type of experiential education, it is based on theories that individuals learn through direct experience rather than classroom based activities. Having walked with my daughter on the Camino de Santiago, it was apparent to see the many rewards of learning outdoors.  The Camino also develops skills of resilience as participants have to walk day after day, some carrying 8kg backpacks in all types of weather.  Adventure education focuses on self-esteem development, problem solving and effective communication skills.  Furthermore, learning to undertake risk management skills, making decisions, planning a daily route of walking and navigating offers increased participation, interaction, a sense of achievement and learning which is relevant and meaningful.

Camino, Health & Well-being

by Fitness Excel, posted in camino, fitness for the camino, fitness walking, health, pilgrim walk, santiago, well-being

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Having just completed the Camino de Santiago, 112 km last leg, embarking on a long walk can reap many benefits.  The Camino gives many qualities such as physical fitness and wellness, mental stamina, mindfulness, social health of interacting with like-minded pilgrims also on the same journey.  Equally important is being surrounded by nature and taking care of the environment.  The physical and social environment in which we live is very different from the one in which humans evolved, there have been dramatic changes in our diet, a decrease in our physical activity levels, increased stimulation from social media which has been associated with poor health.  Walking the Camino enables us to get back to the basics, regular physical activity, less processed food, travelling light and taken time out for reflection.