The outdoors may be more unpredictable than your indoor gym, but there are some great advantages to stepping off the treadmill and taking a few laps around the park. Aside from a change in scenery, your health, mood and workout could be improved from being outdoors. Whatever your preferred workout might be, you’ll want to take them outside after reading these proven benefits.
A better workout
Researchers have found that outdoor exercisers exert more energy to cover the same distance as runners would normally do on treadmills. The outdoor landscape can be more challenging, but more effective as well. You’ll expand more energy to overcome wind and changes in terrain.
A stronger immune system
Did you know that trees combat disease by showering or bathing themselves in something called phytoncides? These phytoncides are antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antibacterial compounds. Humans can benefit from these compounds as well. They trigger the human body to produce a specialised blood cell called “Natural Killer” or NK cells, which can attack cancerous and tumorous growths in the body.
Also, being exposed to the sun will increase your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D fights infections, like colds and the flu. Exposure to natural light has also been found to aid people on pain medication. Older adults have experienced better sleep and less pain from time spent outdoors.
Improved mood
Studies have shown that walking around a park can make people less anxious and looking at greenery can improve happiness. Exercising near water has also been found to positively affect people’s moods. Focus and creativity are reinvigorated when spending time outdoors. Furthermore, exercising outdoors is virtually free and saving money can certainly boost anyone’s mood.
Being outdoors easily allows you to be “grounded.” Connecting yourself to the Earth can calm your nervous system and help alleviate the constant electromagnetic field and radiation you usually surround yourself with from phones, computers and Wi-Fi. Grounding has helped people overcome chronic pain and sleep apnea.
Less likelihood of injury
Surprisingly, the secure walls of your gym may not be as helpful as you think. Studies show that repetitive pounding on a treadmill can be tough on the body and could lead to overuse injuries. Meanwhile, outdoor runners build stronger and more resilient muscles from regularly flexing their ankles.
An enhanced social life
Group activities can be more exciting outdoors. Find like-minded people to go on hikes, runs, evening walks, or take outdoor classes. Social interactions outdoors lessen stress and increase happiness, studies show.
Even in colder temperatures, you can still find ways to exercise outdoors. Take the time to walk or bicycle around or schedule regular outings to the parks. It is important to remain safe, though. Wear three or more layers, a hat, gloves, and a mask or scarf to cover your face. If there had been any rainfall before, wear sturdy footwear to avoid slips and falls. It’s also good to remember that staying dry is just as important as staying warm You will still be generating body heat and, once your clothes become damp from perspiration, it can be chilling and could increase your risk of hypothermia.
Sources: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-you-should-take-your-workout-outside
https://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2015/03/06/spending-time-outdoors.aspx
No matter what your reason is for losing interest in working out, only one thing’s for sure — you’ve hit workout fatigue. If you notice, it seems a lot harder to get yourself to hit the gym and maintain your enthusiasm which then reflects on your physical progress.