Outdoor Exercise

By Suzanne Purton

I am a great lover of working out at the gym, but equally I am a lover of being outside in the fresh air, which is why I like to vary my exercise to rutine include both.

Now that the days are getting warmer and it is possible to replicate most gym exercises outdoors, why not take the opportunity to move your favourite gym workouts outside and reap the benefits of exercising amongst Mother Nature?

But what is it about exercising outdoors that makes it feel so much better? It has to do with the powerful combination of exercise and exposure to nature, explains Martin Niedermeier, Ph.D., a professor of sport science at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. The physical exercise is invigorating, while being surrounded by nature helps to relieve stress, so it becomes a powerful combination. Read on for some great benefits that should not be ignored!

Outdoor exercise provides an opportunity to be physically active in a constantly changing environment. Whether walking or running, taking part in these exercises on a treadmill results in continous repetition of the same movement pattern which could potentially lead to an overuse injury. Think of the same impact occurring over and over as you pound the belt of the treadmill. But outside, we are faced with a variable terrain helping to teach our body to adapt to the surrounding environment. By negotiating these surfaces, we enable our muscles and connective tissues to strengthen which can ultimately help in preventing certain injuries.

Have you thought about something as natural as the wind, that can provide a

level of resistance, and therefore be a positive factor, as it encourages us to work harder and in turn helps to burn more calories?

There is no comparison between running or walking on a treadmill, or spinning on a gym bike, and taking part in these activities outside. There is so much more to see and feel out of doors, which in turn can make the time go by faster so that the exercise itself doesn’t seem so physically and mentally draining. Studies have shown that people feel more awake, energised, attentive, happy and calm, as well as having more positive emotions, when training outside, compared to those who train inside.

Then there’s the very important mental health boost outdoor training brings beyond that of indoor gyms. It has been shown to reduce anger and depression and improve mood (Barton and Pretty, 2010), and any exposure to sunlight also enhances Vitamin D production, which may be partially responsible for this mood-enhancing effect (Kerr et al., 2015). I frequently tell my clients to move from their desks and get outside into the fresh air during busy days, if only for a short walk, to help clear their heads, connect with nature, feel the air around them and de-stress.

And no one is asking you to take out a paid membership just to step outside, so it can be a welcome money-saving option if required.

Training outdoors in groups of people, in your local park or green space, is a great way to widen your social circle and helps you to stay connected to the local community. A feeling of involvement is created, building positive relationships with like-minded people, and these are beneficial factors in improving mental health along with improving self-esteem.

Venturing outdoors also gives an opportunity to turn your exercise time into family time. Walks or bike rides with the kids are a great way to discover nearby trails and parkland routes. And parents get to be the best possible role model for their kids, handing over a great education and getting everyone involved in fun physical activity whilst creating family experiences and memories and keeping everyone fit and healthy.

So, the next time it’s an absolutely gorgeous day outside and you’re dreading being stuck in a dark gym, take your workout outside instead.