The Benefits of Working Out Outdoors

This article is Liza’s first contribution to the blog!

If you’re a fitness fan or healthy-living enthusiast, and you’d like to share some thoughts here, then please feel free to contact me anytime.

The Benefits of Working Out Outdoors

We all know that working out has its benefits on its own, but did you know there are some added bonuses when you take your workout outside?

There are certain advantages to working out outdoors that you just won’t get when exercising at home or going to the gym. Today, you can learn all about them!

Getting Started with Working Out Outdoors

If you’re feeling self-conscious about taking your workout outside, then you can always start with a short walk or a run around the block. This is a good way to get familiar with deliberately moving your body outdoors for exercise.

Getting outside for some sunshine and fresh air is always beneficial, even if you don’t manage to do a full workout. Also, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, terrace, or balcony, then you can always do your workout there. This is a fantastic way to enjoy being outside while also still appreciating some privacy.

Curious to learn more about the benefits of working out outdoors? Read on to find out why you should plan your next workout outside!

Endorphins, Serotonin & Vitamin D

When you exercise, your nervous system will naturally produce endorphins, which help your body to cope with pain and stress. Endorphins also help you to feel happy and energized.

During physical activity, your body will also produce serotonin, which is a natural antidepressant. Serotonin can help to fight off seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

When you combine the boost of endorphins and serotonin with some added Vitamin D from the sun, you’re bound to feel fantastic after your workout!

A Fresh Challenge

Besides some feel good hormones and vitamins, working out surrounded by the elements also challenges you in different ways.

Outdoor terrain has much more variety than a flat gym surface. This will train additional muscles and challenge your balance. The change in environment can also do wonders for your mental health; inhale fresh air, exhale stress!

Many people spend a lot of their time cooped up inside, which usually means sitting hunched over a desk for a long time and breathing in circulated or unfiltered air. When you consider the fact that most people breathe very shallow, then the result is that you can feel depleted and fatigued at the end of the day.

Taking your workout outside gives you the opportunity for a good stretch and allows you to take in some deep breaths of clean air. The oxygen boost will leave you feeling energized, can help you clear your mind, and can even improve the quality of your sleep.

A Great Variety of Workouts

If you’re thinking about working out outside, there’s a whole world of fun activities to explore.

Besides the traditional running, cycling or bootcamp-style classes, there is a great variety of fun outdoor activities to choose from. And, they don’t have to be expensive!

On warmer days, you can consider:

• Skating
• Kayaking
• Swimming
• Hiking

On the colder days, you can consider:

• Ice skating
• Skiing
• Starting an epic snowball fight!

Exercise can sometimes feel like a chore, so choosing a fun activity outside can make it much more enjoyable.

Outdoor Workouts in the Park

When you decide to work out outdoors, there are many different places that you could choose from. If you are fortunate enough to live near a park, then this is likely a perfect choice.

Parks are usually big enough that you can find a space for yourself to exercise in peace. They are also great locations to choose if you are going to exercise in a group, as everyone will be able to find the park with ease.

Eating to Support Your Fitness Goals

As you make exciting new changes to your exercise regime, you will want to give some attention to your diet. The foods that you choose to eat will play an important role in your overall health and wellbeing.

If you are short on time, but still want to eat healthy meals throughout the day, then Huel might be a good choice for you.

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment to let us know what you enjoy the most about exercising outdoors!