Exercising is a powerful tool that can improve our physical and mental health. The muscle growth that is the result of regular exercise can improve how healthy our body is and can make us feel better about ourselves. The endorphins that are released while exercising and immediately after are one of the best forms of boosting both your fitness and mindfulness. It’s also a great hobby, especially if you begin your fitness journey.
Most people associate a workout with going to the gym and using the weight and machinery. However, going back to basics with an outdoor workout can bring you extra benefits that cannot be found with indoor exercise. Being outside can make people feel happier, which can improve how well you perform physically. So, your outdoor workout time can be extremely beneficial.
This guide will explore the many health benefits of working out in nature and how it can improve several aspects of your daily life. We will also give you recommendations on what type of exercises you can easily do when out in the wild.
Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
Attempting an outdoor workout to experience the many benefits it can have on your physical and mental health. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits:
Improves Mental Health
Outdoor exercise can help your mental health in several ways. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), so they need to get outside as much as possible when the sun is out to take full advantage of its natural serotonin increase. This is a hormone that affects your mood, so you should look to naturally boost it in as many ways you can. Exercise itself produces endorphins, which can make us feel good and boost our mood, so combining exercise with sunshine is the perfect combination.
Reduces Stress
Reducing stress is fundamental for improving health. Being out in nature is proven to reduce stress, whether you’re exercising or not. However, exercising while in nature will only enhance these effects. Research shows that interacting with plants, trees and flowers can help people feel more relaxed and reduce physiological stress. Plants can also help people think more positively and avoid thinking about anything that could cause stress or anxiety.
Increases Vitamin D
Being in the sunshine when working out is a great way to boost your vitamin D intake. Even if it’s a cloudy day, you will still receive a good level of vitamin D as opposed to completing a workout indoors. Vitamin D significantly benefits your immune system, helps combat sadness, improves bone mineralisation and prevents certain illnesses. It can also help improve muscle function by reducing inflammation and pain.
Enhances Performance
Any type of workout can benefit from being performed outdoors, but cyclists and runners might notice the most benefits and enhanced performance. Cycling or running in the woods is much better than using a machine in the gym, as you can get all the benefits of being outdoors while also getting a great workout. Nothing can replicate real terrain. The outdoors offers you steep hills, undulating ground and elements of nature.
Relieves Boredom
Outdoor workouts can be much more fun than using a gym, as you have a wider range of things to do and the freedom to switch up your activity whenever you want. There is a certain thrill about exercising outdoors that can’t be found indoors, as there are chances of seeing wildlife or other exciting things rather than staring at a wall. It can also stop you from indulging in bad habits that come from being bored, such as smoking. You can even use a Velo to help with this craving.
Saves Money
Buying workout equipment or purchasing a gym membership can be expensive and take a large chunk out of your budget. Outdoor workouts are completely free and will help you save money in the long run that can be used for other necessities. Have a run through the park or cycle down woodland paths to experience the benefits of working out for no price at all.
