Benefits of Outdoor Workouts
There are so many benefits to outdoor workouts. No matter what the weather is like there are advantages to getting outside as often as possible. Working out outdoors, has so many health benefits and can help you live a healthier life.
Health benefits of outdoor workouts:
1. Vitamin D: This is the fat soluble vitamin that is essential to strong bones and healthy immune systems which can safely be attained by the morning sun.
2. Gives your eyes a rest: Our eyes look at so much close up which requires the muscles in your eye to be constantly working. By looking at things in the distance, the muscles in your eyes relax which is important for overall eye health. (Katy Bowman-Movement Matters, Alignment Matters)
3. Less anxiety and stress: Green spaces have shown to decrease stress and increase mood of those who spend time outdoors and helps provide mental well-being.
4. Boosts white blood cells: Interacting with phytoncides (airborne chemicals emitted from plants that protect them from rotting and insects) helps to boost white blood cells and reduce stress in our bodies (Katy Bowman: Movement Matters, pg 79).
5 more reasons to take your workout outside:
1. Taking your workout outside can help to improve your mental health by providing you with time to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and natural beauty of the outdoors.
2. Working out outdoors can help to increase the intensity of your workout. Since there is often more space available, you can do exercises or activities that you might not be able to do inside.
3. Exercising outside can help to reduce stress levels. Natural light and fresh air can help to promote relaxation and calmness.
4. Working out in nature can help to build your self-confidence since you’re challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone.
5. Exercising outside can be fun and can help to break up the monotony of a normal workout routine. Going for a run or a hike can be a great way to switch things up and keep your workouts interesting.
Whether you head out for a walk through your neighborhood or local park, or heading outside for a quick workout, you can change how your body responds to the workout. We have gotten used to being in a controlled environment that when we get outside into a more natural environment it requires our bodies to adapt. It also allows for our body to create micro-movements in our skin and capillaries that aren’t being stimulated in a controlled environment. This provides our bodies to work a bit harder for the same movements while stimulating more of a response from our body as well.
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