Exercising outdoors has become a favourite pastime for many, especially in recent years with COVID forcing many people to look for ways to stay healthy and active outside the traditional gym setting.
Whether it’s a sunrise jog, an afternoon hike, or a weekend cycling adventure, exercising in the great outdoors offers a range of benefits that go beyond just physical fitness. Breathing in fresh air and basking in natural scenery can do wonders for your mental well-being, helping to reduce stress levels and improve your mood.
It’s for that reason and more that we love taking our EP sessions outside. In the spirit of spreading the good vibes, we’re excited to share our top three reasons for doing so.
#1. Gyms aren’t for everyone
Gyms can be great places to exercise, but they’re not for everyone. Some people feel intimidated by the unfamiliar equipment, the crowds of people, or the perceived pressure to look and act a certain way. Others might feel anxious in social situations or feel self-conscious working out in front of others.
For those who don’t enjoy the gym environment, outdoor exercise offers an excellent alternative. Exercising outside allows our customers to focus on their own session without worrying about all of these things.
#2. It’s sustainable
Outdoor exercise options like park-based sessions, walking, and cycling can be a more sustainable long-term solution than gym memberships or costly equipment. Although many of our customers are lucky enough to have their membership funded, a long-term commitment to this on-going cost can be a lot to ask.
Beyond the practicality, outdoor exercise can simply be more enjoyable and engaging than indoor workouts, increasing the likelihood of people sticking with it long-term. In this same vein, exercising outside of a gym setting allows for easier inclusion of friends and family, making it a social and sustainable way to maintain physical activity over time.
#3. It’s good for you
Have you ever noticed how spending time in nature can make you feel more relaxed and at ease? Well, research has consistently shown that the great outdoors can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Studies have found that exposure to natural scenery, like forests, lakes, and mountains, can actually improve mood and reduce stress levels (1).
The calming effect that nature has on the mind and body has become so well-established that healthcare providers are now prescribing nature as a form of treatment (2). This “green prescription” involves outdoor activities, like walking in nature or gardening, to improve both physical and mental well-being.
Go on, get out there. . .
The next time you spot an EP leading an outdoor session, you can rest assured that there’s more to it than just a change of scenery. It’s a chance to embrace the beauty and benefits of nature. Who knows, maybe we’ve even inspired you to give outdoor exercise a try and experience the added benefits for yourself!
References:
- Bowler, D. E., et al. (2010). A Systematic Review of Evidence for the Added Benefits to Health of Exposure to Natural Environments. BMC Public Health, 10, 456. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-456
- “Healthcare Providers are Prescribing Outdoor Time for Patients.” NPR, 2018, https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/08/20/639089787/health-care-providers-are-prescribing-outdoor-time-for-patients.
Author: Tessa Nielsen
Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Content Creator at Specialised Health
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