Is the gym your go-to workout spot? A change of scenery, especially one with a lot of it, could be beneficial to you. There are a variety of reasons why you should take your training outside.
Outdoor exercise has been shown to have health benefits that cannot be matched indoors. One of the most important is a stronger boost to positive feelings.
Outdoor workouts, for example, have been shown to increase mood and make you feel more energetic and revitalized than inside workouts, according to one study. Another study found that even five minutes of outdoor activities can boost self-esteem, especially if you're near water or greenery.
Here's more:
A more difficult workout
When you're active outside, whether it's running on the beach or climbing a mountain, your body is exposed to a constantly changing environment. To maintain a consistent rate of movement, you must adjust to all minute changes in your environment (such as slight inclines, bumps, or barriers you must avoid), which requires your body to work harder than if you were running on a treadmill or using a stair machine.
There are no membership costs
We all have a right to be outside. You don't need any extra equipment because the great outdoors is right outside your door.
Fresh air
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air in major cities and urban regions might be more dangerous than outdoor air.
A daily dose of vitamin D
An outdoor workout is a good way to get your vitamin D. This is especially crucial if you are overweight, as research shows that overweight people are more likely to be vitamin D deficient.
Mental exercise
When you exercise outside, your mind is always aware of the shifting terrain. Your mind has to work differently when you're jogging in the hills, on the sand at the beach, or on a twisting road than when you're running on a flat gym floor.
And evidence suggests that exercise has a positive effect on the mind. Several studies, including one published in Environmental Science and Technology, suggest that outdoor activity improves mental health more than similar indoor exercise.
Remember to always use SPF when exercising outside. A solid pair of running or walking shoes are also required to safeguard your complete body from harm. Finally, don't forget to drink plenty of water. Drinking 4 to 6 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes outside should keep you hydrated.
