The Benefits of Exercise: A Conversation Between Jean-Thomas Olano and Edgar Grospiron
25 July 2024 • 5 min read
A 100% natural prescription for good health
Exercise is universally praised by the medical community and is renowned for its benefits on our physical and mental health. Simply moving directly affects our brain by promoting the secretion of endorphins – hormones that give us feelings of pleasure and calm. It is therefore hardly surprising that, in recent years, exercise has even been prescribed by doctors in specific cases. Regular, moderate physical activity improves self-esteem, reduces depression and anxiety, and helps to protect against chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. These benefits are even more pronounced when exercising outdoors, particularly at high altitudes. Starting at 5900 feet, the oxygen in the air becomes scarcer, forcing our bodies to produce more red blood cells. What’s more, it is never too late to start a regular physical activity!
Jean-Thomas Olano, a luxury real estate developer, and Edgar Grospiron, an Olympic freestyle skiing champion, share a passion for mountain sports. They also agree on the countless benefits this form of exercise provides – both physically and mentally.
Sports and nature : a winning partnership
Outdoor sports have been growing in popularity over the last 30 years. This is likely due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles and a growing need to return to nature to recharge our batteries. The mountains, with their vast spaces and refreshing scenery, provide an ideal playground for various physical activities – whether they are fun, extreme, wellness-focused, brand-new, or simply social.
Exercising in the mountains strengthens the connection with nature, enhances knowledge of the natural environment, and raises awareness about its fragility, encouraging an interest in environmental conservation. Edgar Grospiron insists on this essential connection with nature, quoting French ecologist Pierre Rabhi: “Nature offers both what nourishes the body and what heals it; it enchants the soul, the heart, and the mind."
Meanwhile, Jean-Thomas Olano sees Alpine luxury real estate as a unique opportunity to promote this healthy and balanced lifestyle. By creating luxurious residences harmoniously integrated into the landscape, he enables his clients to enjoy the benefits of mountain sports while residing in exceptional environments.
THREE GOOD REASONS TO EXERCISE IN OUR DESTINATIONS
Reason n°1 : Boost Your Mental Balance
Physical activity, even when performed at low intensity, stimulates the secretion of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, known as the “happiness hormones.” These substances are involved in our well-being and the regulation of our emotions. Practicing a sport also reduces the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, providing a sense of calm and satisfaction. Regular exercise helps to combat sedentary lifestyles and promotes an improved mental balance.
Forest bathing, also known as “sylvotherapy,” is an ancient practice with recognized benefits for psycho-physiological and emotional ailments. Yoga, which is increasingly practiced outdoors, is the perfect companion to hiking, which itself can be a highly meditative activity. Edgar Grospiron points to cold yoga or “Toumo,” a Tibetan practice involving cold exposure to reap various benefits. Performed in nature and even in ice-cold water, this practice optimizes metabolic function and strengthens mental resilience.
Jean-Thomas Olano adds that living in a luxury mountain residence offers the ideal setting for all these practices. Imagine starting your day with a yoga session overlooking a breathtaking panoramic view, or setting out on a hike directly from your luxury chalet. The properties he develops make it possible to live in total harmony with nature while enjoying all modern comforts.
Reason n°2 : Create Social Bonds
Sport is a powerful social connector, creating unique ties between individuals and promoting values such as fair play, respect, teamwork, and solidarity. It provides unique experiences and strong emotions, bringing people together and creating lasting bonds. Engaging in sports reduces the risk of loneliness and fosters a dynamic social network.
Mountain activities are varied and can cater to all preferences. They can include sledding in all its forms, bicycle touring, treetop adventures, escape games, and hiking. Jean-Thomas Olano and Edgar Grospiron highly recommend dog sledding, a unique experience in harmony with nature and animals that promises endless wonder and discovery.
The luxury residences developed by Jean-Thomas Olano often include shared areas devoted to sporting activities, promoting interactions and conversations among residents. What better way to bond with neighbors than by sharing a ski session or a hike, thereby strengthening a powerful sense of community?
Reason n°3 : Push Your Limits
Exercise encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and push our limits, helping us to better understand ourselves. Taking on small challenges can significantly improve self-esteem and confidence. Meanwhile, perseverance, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles are all qualities that sports help to develop.
Activities such as skiing, climbing, paragliding, extreme zip-lining, survival courses, and mountain biking offer unparalleled sensations and a unique connection with the wild mountain environment. Edgar Grospiron suggests ice diving, a breathtaking experience available in the 3 Vallées. This unique underwater activity is an incredible way to discover hidden landscapes under the ice while taking part in a truly extraordinary adventure.
Jean-Thomas Olano believes that luxury mountain real estate is also a way to encourage this form of self-improvement. His residences are designed to provide direct access to ski slopes, hiking trails, and other mountain activities, enabling residents to challenge themselves and push their limits safely.
Exercise enhances life and improves health
Jean-Thomas Olano and Edgar Grospiron share a vision. They deeply believe that exercise, in all forms, enriches life, improves health, and creates strong bonds while respecting and enhancing our natural surroundings. Whether to boost mental balance, develop social ties, or push personal limits, mountain sports offer unmatched opportunities for nature and wellness enthusiasts, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of high-end residences.
Practicing a physical activity in the mountains is not only beneficial for our mental and physical health, but it is also a way to combat a sedentary lifestyle, improve physical fitness, and strengthen cardiovascular capacity. The benefits are numerous, including improved circulation, stronger muscles, increased endurance, and reduced risk of chronic and cardiovascular diseases.
Whether you enjoy swimming, running, skiing, or hiking, the most important thing is to move regularly and engage in a physical activity suited to your level and ability. What’s more, the mountains provide an idyllic setting for outdoor physical activities, far from pollution and stress.
By way of a conclusion, Jean-Thomas Olano and Edgar Grospiron remind us that integrating sports into our daily lives is essential if we want to improve our quality of life, extend our life expectancy, and fully enjoy the wonders that nature has to offer. Mountain sports, combined with a luxurious, harmonious living environment, are the key to lasting well-being and optimal health.