WHY OUTDOOR MOVEMENT IS BETTER Where You Exercise Matters
GET YOUR BRICK ON ‘LEGO Masters’ Will Please All Ages
Most of us fondly remember letting our imaginations run wild with
LEGO blocks as a kid. But it turns out some people never outgrow that fun. A community of high-level adult LEGO builders can
We all know exercise is good for our physical and mental health. But whether we’re going on a jog through nature or clocking minutes on a treadmill, it’s all the same — right? A recent study suggests there may be a crucial difference. There is mounting evidence that where you exercise matters. A small study from the University of Victoria recently researched the benefits of “green exercise,” or that performed in nature. The authors of the 2023 paper found that physical activity in natural surroundings had benefits beyond those generally associated with movement. Study participants who went on 15-minute walks outside saw improvements in memory and concentration more significantly than when they performed the same exercise indoors. Neuroscientists behind the research can only guess why these results occurred. Some experts believe being out in nature helps us relax and quiet our brains. Additional research also demonstrates that people generally find outdoor exercise less physically taxing than indoor varieties — even when the outdoor exercise is quite strenuous. These findings confirm something you may have already expected to be true. You probably feel better after a bike ride through the park than spending the same time on a stationary bike in your basement. Exercise on gym equipment can also be tedious, and many people spend the bulk of their time staring at the clock, counting down the minutes until they’re finished. We’re less likely to have that problem outside. Unsurprisingly, doctors argue that any physical activity is better than none. Using gym equipment will provide far more benefits than sitting on your couch. But when you have the option to exercise outdoors, you should take it. Just remember that all outdoor exercise is not created equal. The Washington Post reports that outdoor activity in urban areas surrounded by concrete does not appear to have the same benefits as exercise in quieter, greener places. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to see an impact. From a mental health perspective, 15 minutes of green exercise at a time seems to be ideal. So, get out as much as you can. And when you’re stuck inside due to weather or other circumstances, continue to make the most of it with as much exercise as possible.
construct astounding creations. And in the
competition show “LEGO Masters,” they compete spectacularly to determine who is the best of the best.
“LEGO Masters” follows a format similar to most reality competition shows. Teams of two compete every week in a new challenge. The team that does the worst
goes home, while the others advance closer to the title of LEGO Master. Jamie Berard and Amy Corbett, two “master builders” who design kits for LEGO, judge the contestants. Meanwhile, actor and comedian Will Arnett covers hosting duties. Contestants have access to 3 million LEGO in the studio. (Fun fact: “LEGO” is the plural of “LEGO.”) But while they have every size and shape they could ever want, the challenges are no cakewalk. The builders must create structures that move, incorporate water, or hold enormous weight. Amy and Jamie give tips while the builders work and judge the teams on creativity, function, and storytelling. Unsurprisingly, at least one team disappoints most weeks, but many builds are incredibly impressive. You’ll be shocked to learn how much is possible with six-studded bricks! Arnett is a great host who is equally impressed with the contestants’ abilities and willing to inject some levity into the proceedings. His comedic bits keep the show moving, and he’s passionate about the different builds. He also has a destructive streak. Several challenges include builders creating masterpieces for Arnett to blow up, sledgehammer, or try to break with weights. Kids, in particular, will enjoy seeing the pieces go flying. “LEGO Masters” will entertain kids, teens, and adults with laughs, competition, and some education. However, there may be one downside to watching with your children: They might ask you to buy a lot more LEGO. But that, too, presents a new opportunity to bond and spend time together as a family. Even if you don’t win any prizes, making your own creations can be just as fun as watching the pros. As Will Arnett regularly instructs contestants, “Get your brick on!”
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