Perks of Outdoor Exercise

Physical fitness plays an important role in our life. Not only helps us maintain a good shape but balances our mind as well. According to research on human wellness & well-being, a person who exercises at least three times a week shows a great improvement in his/her attitude, emotions, and overall performance at work. 

And though we read or hear daily about the perks of physical exercise, still the majority finds it difficult to maintain regular physical activity. Some blame it on their daily routine which “prevents” them from making a swift and embracing a healthier way of life. Some others simply procrastinate their decision by alleging excuses such as “I’ll start from Monday” and so on.

It is true, that our daily lives are full of deadlines, tasks, meetings, and live us limited space to properly enjoy our free time. Consequently, one would think “why to go for cardio or weight machines?”. Just because you are bored with exercising does not mean you have to quit exercising. It means you should find alternative ways of exercising in a way that you will enjoy and help you get rid of your daily stress. 

If you are still wondering how to make things work, we have the solution for you. Mix things up and take your exercise outside! From stress reduction to energy boost, outdoor exercise will invigorate you in a way you have never experienced before! And it comes with several benefits:

• You give your immune system a boost. When exercising outdoors your body behaves differently when you are out in nature. Your body acts as a natural stimulus to protect itself from diseases etc. In addition, it has been noticed that a daily 30-minute walk tends to decrease depression and high blood pressure.

• You exercise your mind. Whether you choose to run at the beach or the park your mind notices the change in terrain. According to studies the impact of outdoor exercise on the mind tends to favor a positive direction.

• You release “feel good” hormones. It has been proven that people who tend to exercise outdoors feel more energized and are full of enthusiasm. Moreover, they seem to have higher levels of dopamine and serotonin that affect our mood. 

• You get your free daily dose of Vitamin D through sunlight. It benefits your mental well-being more than the same type of exercise inside.

• No membership fees. Working out outdoors means you can practice whenever and wherever you are. Plus, there’s no need to have any special equipment with you.

Get Started:

Here are some useful tips that will motivate you to embrace and maintain this healthy lifestyle. 

• Start working out early.We tend to find more excuses when it comes to working out outdoors in the evening. In the morning, the air is cleaner, the temperature is just perfect, and your energy is higher. Did we mention the post-workout perks such as less stress and better mood?

• Drink enough water. Drinking water 30 minutes before exercising hydrates you efficiently before exercising outdoors.

• Avoid high temperatures.Our bodies can adapt to multiple weather conditions – cold or warm. Still, you should not prefer exercising under extreme conditions that might cause you headaches, dizziness, or even nausea.

• Wear the right workout gear. Working out means you are going to sweat a lot. So having the proper clothes is a must. Breathable fabrics that wick away moisture not only help you stay cool but will change the way you feel too. 

To conclude, it's never too late to start upgrading your life – mental & physical. Outdoor exercise can provide you with all-around health benefits and improve your mood and self-esteem. All you must do is wear your sneakers and simply start!