Exercising is important for overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally. Any type of exercise is beneficial, but exercising in the great outdoors sees some of the greatest health benefits.
This blog will explore the key benefits of outdoor activities, from hikes, runs, and walks to water sports, climbing, and cold-water swimming.
VITAMIN D LEVELS
Vitamin D is essential in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. The vital nutrient is naturally produced within the body by ultraviolet and regulates calcium and phosphate levels. The main way to get this exposure is from direct sunlight; working out in the sunshine between the months of March and September has the greatest benefits in terms of Vitamin D, as in between these months is when the sun is at its strongest. 1
IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Just five minutes in a green outdoor space is enough to reduce stress and anxiety2. In general, exercise is known to positively impact mental health as during a workout the body releases endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good and happy hormones. These hormones help with pain, stress, anxiety and depression. By combining the benefits of being outside and exercising together, you’re not only increasing your physical fitness but also positively impacting your mental health.3
SAVING MONEY
It goes without saying that the cost of a gym membership can often feel a little pricey – especially when you’re trying to budget and watch where you spend. For this reason, making the most of the dryer and warmer months by exercising can often save you money! Whether it’s going for a run in your local park, going for a sunset hike up a local hill or getting a few friends together to do outdoor circuits – there are endless things you can do outside, surrounded by nature, to increase your heart rate that do not cost a single penny.
ERADICATE BOREDOM
Trying to achieve your personal best whilst running on a treadmill facing a bland wall is a difficult task. The brain craves stimulation, and inside four walls, with not much going on, this is hard to attain. Boredom is a big factor in people losing motivation to stay fit and healthy. People who include outdoor exercise in their routine benefit from the rewards. Your mind is constantly experiencing new things, new smells, different sights, changing terrain and wind; all these things stop you from getting bored and help you challenge your body more than if you were inside4.
IMMUNE SYSTEM GETS A BOOST
It has been found that one of the benefits of exercising outside and being surrounded by trees is the boost to your immune system. Training amongst trees is good for your health as breathing in small amounts of airborne plant chemicals produced by trees and plants improves immune responses by 50%5.
By spending more time outdoors, you can be one step closer to better overall mental and physical health.
If you decide to take a walk, hike or swim outdoors, SCI-MX has a wide range of protein bars from chocolate caramel to glazed sprinkled donut, that provide you with the perfect hit of protein after a good workout.
References:
- https://blog.davidlloyd.co.uk/fitness/the-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise/
- https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a756705/training-outdoors/
- https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/benefits-of-outdoor-exercise/?lang=can
- https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/benefits-of-outdoor-exercise/?lang=can
- https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a756705/training-outdoors/