The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Happy post 4th of July!! I hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend and got to enjoy time with friends & family! Nothing says freedom like cooking some meat on the grill, carb-loading with some potato salad, mac ‘n cheese, & fries, drinking a sh*t ton of empty calories, and blowing things up. And while these celebrations will forever conjure fun times and happy memories in our minds for years to come, we must remember that moderation is our friend. However, one thing you SHOULD spoil yourself on as much as possible is working out outside as often as possible. You heard me – ditch the indoor gym and get your butt outside. In our modern, fast-paced world, it’s easy to become confined to indoor spaces, especially when it comes to exercise. However, working out outdoors has some surprising benefits that you may have not considered…

Outdoor workouts, often referred to as “green exercise,” offer a host of benefits, both physical and mental. Let’s delve into why exercising outdoors might be the breath of fresh air your fitness routine actually needs.

Reaping the Physical Rewards

Just like indoor exercise, outdoor workouts help to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. However, the exercising outdoors offers unique challenges and opportunities that one may not find in traditional gyms:

1. Natural Terrain: The uneven and varied terrain outdoors can help to enhance the intensity of your workouts, challenging your balance, strength, and coordination in ways that a treadmill or a flat gym floor cannot.

2. Vitamin D Boost: Exposure to sunlight during outdoor workouts helps your body produce Vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health, immune function, and inflammation reduction.

The Mental Health Connection

The benefits of outdoor workouts extend far beyond physical health. The mental health benefits are notable:

1. Mood Enhancement: Natural sunlight and surroundings can help boost your mood. Studies show that outdoor exercise is associated with increased energy and revitalization, along with decreased confusion, anger, depression, and tension.

2. Improved Focus: Being in nature can enhance mindfulness and attention. The diverse scenery can keep you engaged in your workout and make it feel less strenuous.

3. Stress Reduction: Natural environments can help lower cortisol levels, a hormone often linked to stress. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature work together to engage the senses and take your mind off your worries.

Outdoor Workout Ideas

Inspired to take your fitness routine outdoors? Here are some ideas:

1. Trail Running or Hiking: These activities provide a cardio workout while also engaging your core and improving balance.

2. Outdoor Yoga: Yoga in a natural setting can help enhance the practice’s mindfulness aspect, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation.

3. Park Workouts: Many parks have fitness circuits with various stations for different exercises. You can also use park benches for step-ups, dips, and more.

4. Cycling: Whether it’s a leisurely bike ride or an intense cycling session, this activity provides a great cardio workout and strengthens your lower body, while giving you an excuse to have that beer with your friends on Friday 🍻.

Remember, always keep safety as your top concern when exercising outdoors. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and be aware of your surroundings.  Also, exercise (pun intended) good judgement when choosing whether or not to go outside in the first place due to extreme heat, cold, and/or other inclement factors should all be considered when making your decision.  The idea is to push yourself, but in a controlled manner.  Extreme heat and cold can cause life-threatening risks that simply aren’t worth the danger. 

Also, always, seriously – ALWAYS – consult your physician before beginning ANY exercise program to determine if your heart is healthy enough to withstand the rigor. Thanks for reading!