Healthy Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
Exercising and going to the gym are excellent examples of taking care of yourself. But did you know that there are more benefits to exercising outdoors? How is this possible? If you love the idea of working out outdoors, here’s how you can benefit from it.
How Can You Benefit from Exercising Outdoors?
Working out in the open air can help your body in many ways. Whether you are running, walking, or biking, these can all significantly impact your body.
Lowers blood pressure
According to studies, doing outdoor activities can help lower a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. Because of this, working out in the open air makes the workout feel less strenuous compared to when you are doing it indoors. It also helps you do more and improves your performance better.
Helps with insomnia
When you are exercising outdoors, it alleviates your insomnia, thanks to the fresh air. Not only that but with regular outdoor workouts, your sleeping pattern improves and allows you to sleep better.
Vitamin D from the sun
Besides the invigorating fresh air, you can also benefit from the sunlight. Vitamin D is essential to our body [1]. It helps us absorb calcium, protects our bones and heart, and helps our immune system. That said, the sun is one of the best benefits of exercising outdoors.
A natural antidepressant
If you are suffering from depression, try working out outside your house. Thanks; to the sunshine you get, it helps ward off SAD or seasonal affective disorder, anxieties, and depression. Sunshine can naturally increase your serotonin, while exercising increases the production of endorphins. Both hormones can make you feel good and boost your mood and reduce any pain you feel in the body.
Provides mental relief
When you work for long periods of time, you strain your mind and body. Exercising outdoors can lift this strain. It is because outdoor workouts are fun, and a lot of people enjoy them. The best thing about it is that it feels more like play than exercise.
Something new
While working out indoors is the trend among gym rats, the outdoors offers something new. Sure, it may not be the most conventional approach, but it is an exciting option. Make use of new training opportunities whenever you can. Creating a whole new routine is essential to growth and progress. Have you tried basketball? How about park workouts? These may be different for you, but changing your workout environment or training is always good.
Before Your Outdoor Workout
In case you decide to try training outdoors, be sure to dress according to the weather. If you want to run during summertime, wear something light and breezy that lets you move quickly. Wearing the appropriate running shoes will also help you big time.
Winter exercises are possible as long as you wear the proper clothing and you are comfortable in it [2]. Don’t forget to drink your water. Staying hydrated is the key to a successful outdoor workout!
In Closing
Taking care of your body is essential, especially when you are already at an age where you often feel aches and pains. Exercising may be challenging at first, but it gets easier once you do it regularly. Now that you know the benefits of exercising outdoors, go ahead and give it a try. It might just become your favorite thing to do; enjoy!
