TOP 4 REASONS TO EXERCISE OUTDOORS (NOW THAT WE CAN!)
The magic of the outdoors! Getting outdoors is such a great way to feel good and appreciate the world around you, all while doing your body good too! Exercising in the fresh air and sunshine does wonders for your body, both physically and mentally. Walking is a great cardiovascular workout, while jogging can help to burn calories and really get your blood pumping.
SUNSHINE SEROTONIN
Just being in the outdoors, especially on a nice sunny day, is a sure-fire way to beat stress and anxiety. Fresh air is a natural antidepressant thanks to the power of sunshine, which promotes the production of serotonin and provides a source of vitamin D. Exercise itself triggers a release of endorphins, which, when combined with serotonin, works to boost feelings of happiness and joy so it’s a win-win!
SENSORY STIMULATION
Another reason why outdoor exercise is good for your brain is that it helps you to feel more grounded and increases levels of mental awareness, by engaging your mind with your surroundings. Being outside gives you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around you, providing a relief from the repetitive gym scene or the same four walls of your living room. It’s great to reconnect with the world beyond your front door and truly take in all that is going on outside. Even just a quick chat with your neighbour or finishing your walk at a local coffee shop gives your brain a boost and triggers the production of dopamine, the reward chemical!
PHYSICAL CHALLENGE
Working out in the outdoors can be a good way to really challenge yourself physically, as it provides a greater range of terrains for running and walking, which breaks up your workout by pushing you to interact with harder surfaces such as rough ground, hills and sand (if you live near a beach!). In addition to this, you are more likely to work out longer when outdoors because the distraction of your surroundings will take your mind off the actual workout, making it easier to let your body do its thing while your mind is elsewhere. What’s more, if you’re exercising outside you have to reach your destination in order to complete the workout - there is no ‘stop’ button like there is on a treadmill!
SOCIAL PERKS
One of the key benefits of outdoor exercise is group sport and activities. Whether it’s the local park run, joining the netball team or attending an outdoor Zumba class, group workouts are really good for helping to stay consistent with exercise and workout socially. Exercising with friends and family is great for upping the enjoyment levels and making exercise more fun! Social achievements such as completing a workout is super rewarding when you’re not on your own, because you are supporting other people and it feels like a team effort. This can boost the chemical oxytocin in our brains which is responsible for the happiness that comes with a sense of achievement, especially in a social setting where you can share in your success with others.
Sources:
Piedmont Healthcare, 2021. 7 Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise. Available online at: www.piedmont.org/living-better/7-health-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise
Andersen, C. H et al, 2020. The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Outdoor Workouts. Available online at: www.shape.com/fitness/tips/outdoor-workout-study-physical-mental-benefits
Lifer, H. 2019. 7 Reasons to Sweat Outdoors. Available online at: www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/7-reasons-to-sweat-outdoors#1