The unexpected benefits of exercising in the great outdoors

As American modernist poet and Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry Wallace Stevens aptly put it, “Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.”  Although written many decades ago, modern science suggests he was onto something: Moving your body outdoors makes you healthier.

If the majority of your workouts are done indoors, consider taking your favorite activity outside.  Exercising in the great outdoors offers additional health benefits and ups the fun factor.  Science even backs this up.  A 2011 review of 11 studies in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology found that, compared with indoor exercise, outdoor activity was associated with feeling more energized and positive, and with reductions in anger and depression. 

Just being outdoors will provide visual stimulation and interest of your surroundings which cannot help but motivate you to want to exercise helping you enjoy it more.  Here are additional benefits you will experience by exercising outdoors:

·      Creativity and problem-solving skills are boosted.

·      Cancer patients who interacted with gardens, reported decreased emotional distress and pain and had better long-term prognoses.

·      Short-term memory and ability to focus improves.

·      It boosts mental health.  A 2012 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that a walk in an arboretum lifted the spirits of people suffering from depression. 

·      It may improve your body image.  A 2018 study published in the journal Body Image found that spending time in nature, for as little as one hour per day, gave people more appreciation for their bodies. 

·      Working out outdoors can make you more alert.  A dose of sunlight, especially in the morning, signals the brain that it’s time to wake up and can help you feel more alert throughout the day.  Getting morning light trains your circadian system, the hormonal clock telling you when to wake up and when to sleep.  If your circadian system is out of step, this can lead to too little sleep, raising the risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

·      Being outdoors exercising with sun exposure can boost your body’s production of vitamin D, important for bone and heart health.  

Not only is being outdoors in nature moving your body good for the soul and mind, it also enhances all the other benefits we derive from exercise.  There are many physical activities any of us can do when outdoors which include the following and the health benefits they each provide:

·      Hiking/walking– Simply walking trails or canyon paths is a great way to strengthen bones and muscles, lowers your risk of heart disease, improves balance, burns calories, and reduces blood glucose levels.  Aim to walk briskly for at least 2 ½ hours a week for optimal health.

·      Water workouts – Water aerobics can be one of the most invigorating, refreshing and reenergizing activities you can do.  It’s great for burning calories and toning muscles.  The act of being buoyant takes pressure off joints and feet which is helpful if you have arthritis or are overweight or obese. 

·      Biking – Here’s a great low-impact exercise benefitting cardiovascular health and one most people can enjoy.  Anyone with balance issues may consider a step-through bike which has a low interior frame making it easier to mount. 

·      Kayaking or canoeing – For anyone who loves being on the water, this activity is not only fun but is perfect for building arm strength and improving aerobic capacity.

·      Jogging/running – Both one of these exercises are terrific for your heart and lungs as each improves your stamina.  If weight loss is a goal of yours, both jogging and running will burn more calories than walking.  However, for anyone with knee, ankle, or hip issues, may want to try another form of movement as they do put stress on the joints.  If just starting out jogging or running, start off slowly to adapt to the stress of vigorous exercise.  Too much too soon and you can develop tendinitis or a variety of muscle or joint problems.