Turbo-Camping: How to Exercise and Enjoy Nature Through Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP)

If you want to get out during the nicest months of the year and enjoy the great outdoors, look up your local live-action role-playing (LARP) chapter. This fun sport is a great opportunity to exercise your body, since you'll be . . .

. . . walking up and down hills. Depending on what park or playsite your group chooses, there may be shallow or steep hills to climb. Marshals (referees) make sure that no one gets heat-exhausted, but it's still a workout, especially if you're running from something the warriors couldn't handle!

. . . running around. Even on flat ground, the running involved will get your heart pumping. You might find out that your friend was cut down to zero body while on the opposite side of the field, or you may have to carry your dying healer back to town to get fixed up. If you're not in shape when you start, all the excitement will get you there!

. . . wearing heavy armor. If you play a warrior, you could end up wearing some pretty heavy armor. Under a combination of thick shirts, leather chest-plates, hand-made leather greaves, and a hulking sword, my chapter's tank is always sweating, even in the winter!

. . . fighting like a martial artist. After playing for a while, you'll get a feel for how to swing your boffer weapon. In order to avoid people getting hurt, LARP marshals encourage speed, not strength. Get in as many hits as you can while dodging the enemy's. Within minutes, you'll feel like your greatsword was made of five-tons of metal!

. . . lifting and carrying things. The last time a massive army attached our cabin, we actually had to gather up our things and high-tail it into the woods. What followed was an hour of lugging chests, boxes, and bags of all our precious in-game gear; we put it down only to fight whatever stood in our way. Besides in-game packmuling, you should be a good team player by helping people unpack and move equipment when setting up an event; in most chapters, you can earn in-game points for this!

But LARPing isn't just good for your body. If you're in the mood to get out and enjoy nature, you'll also spend some of your LARPing time . . .

. . . walking in the woods. Whether at a park or site in the mountains, most LARP groups meet in places with trees and wildlife. When not fighting for your in-game life, stand back or sit down and listen to the wind hissing through the leaves.

. . . soaking up sunshine and breathing fresh air. Only hardcore LARPers play when it rains. While you're out and about, healing noobs or talking to the head of the village, make sure to get lots of sun (bring lotion if it's hot) and take big gulps of park or mountain air.

. . . getting away from your cell phone. To avoid spoiling the roleplaying mood, marshals ask players to turn off their phones during events. Some playsites are out in the mountains and lack reception. Whatever the case, your mind will be on the game, not on your latest text. By escaping into the game, you might be escaping tech-overload.

Put on a tabbard and pick up a foam sword! Get out and enjoy the nice weather!