Among midterms, hectic work schedules, video games, Facebook updates and daily routines of shake-weights and P90X, it can be tough for students to find the time to get outside and enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
But in my own humble opinion, getting a taste of the great outdoors each week is an essential part of living a happy and healthy life.
As a result of Fresno’s bad rap for having “nothing to do,” people often overlook some of the region’s best outdoor activities and opportunities for healthy and active living.
Most people are spending the majority of each day sitting in front of a computer or TV screen, and missing out on ample opportunities to get outside.
Even those people that exercise regularly often turn to the dismal confines of the gym, or staring off into a myriad of TV screens to pass the time.
As the online news videographer for The Collegian, I want to go a step beyond the standard formula for campus news and provide students with a unique insight into some of Fresno’s recreational gems.
“Active Fresno” is a new vlog (video blog) series that will be posted on The Collegian website approximately every other week for the remainder of the semester. The series will showcase a variety of local activities including hiking, cross-country skiing and whitewater rafting, among other more casual “backyard” recreation.
But before you shy away from these potentially intimidating or extreme sounding activities, consider the following three points:
1. You don’t have to be an extreme athlete or sports enthusiast to participate in the showcased activities.
2. Each video and supplemental text will provide information for various skill and experience levels, which will allow you to adapt the experience to fit your personal preference.
3. College is a time to experience new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
You’ll have to excuse the irony, but my hope is that students, faculty and staff will watch the short videos and be inspired to start spending more time outdoors.
The videos will provide a brief recap of each activity and will be supplemented with additional information and the resources necessary to do the activities on your own.
With the ideal weather of the spring season quickly approaching, it is the opportune time to take advantage of all that Fresno has to offer.
The first episode of the series will highlight cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in nearby Yosemite National Park.