Now the weather is getting better (finally), you will start to see more and more people training outdoors.
If you are normally a gym bunny, you may have even have thought about joining them.
The simple fact of the matter is
Training outdoors is fun!
There have been many studies associated with the benefits of training outdoors.
A study carried out by a team at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry concluded that there are benefits to mental and physical well-being from taking exercise in the natural environment, compared with exercising indoors.
Exercising in a natural environment has been associated with greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression.
People also report greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity, and suggested that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date.
5 reasons why you should be exercising outdoors:
1: Exposure to Vitamin D
The sun is a great mood booster, and the vitamin D it provides is wonderful. It makes your bones stronger, strengthens your immune system and helps protect your body against cancer. Although vitamin D can be obtained from other sources, the sun is still the best source for the human body.
2: More Fresh Air
Who doesn’t prefer the smell of nature to the smell of musty, sweaty smell of gym air?
3: Mental Stimulation
Exercising outdoors provides mental stimulation that indoor workouts cannot. Whether you’re working out at home or in a gym, you’re surrounded by the same four walls for your workout. Going outside gives you a change of scene that stimulates and excites your brain. Your mind can get a workout at the same time your body does when you exercise outdoors.
4: Mood Improvement
Exposure to sunlight is a common treatment for depression and other mood disorders. Outdoor exercise provides a mental health boost beyond that of indoor gyms. Moving outdoors has been shown to reduce anger and depression and improve mood (Barton and Pretty, 2010).
Studies show that depressed exercisers who go for a walk outdoors feel happier and have better self-esteem than those who walk on a treadmill indoors. Endorphins, which can raise your mood and keep it stable, are released when you spend time in the sun.
5: Freedom
Going outside gives you far more scope for variety. You can exercise on your own or with others. You can bring your friends, your children, even your pets. You can compete in a recognised sport, have a kick about with a ball, climb, swim, explore or just run or walk. The options are endless.
A workout outdoors, on your own or in company, is the perfect solution for a bad mood! So what are you waiting for? Strap on those trainers and get going!
Rachel Law is a personal fitness trainer based in New Malden, Surrey. Qualifications: ActivIQ Level 3 Personal Training; Burrell Education Pregnancy Exercise Prescription; Burrell Education Advanced Pregnancy Wellness Practitioner; Burrell Education Advanced Post Natal Exercise Prescription; Burrell Education 3rd Age Women Optimal Health and Nutrition; Burrell Education Peri Natal Athlete; Burrell Education Pelvic Flow and Freedom; Olympic Weight Lifting; Premier Global Kettlebells; FIE Level Assessment and Mentoring