With the weather getting warmer, we all want to spend time outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Exercise is a great way to do just that! Here are 6 benefits of exercising outside:
1. Reduce Stress & Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have shown getting outside to exercise can keep your blood pressure low and help reduce stress. Any form of outdoor activity, from jogging to mowing the lawn to gardening, can keep you less stressed and improve your mood. Breaking a sweat is always beneficial to your mental health, but taking it outside boosts these benefits even more.
2. Boost Vitamin D
Spending time in the sun feels great and also offers a variety of health benefits. Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D can help strengthen your immune system, improve your sleep and help fight off depression. Vitamin D also boosts weight loss, so if you’re working out outside, you may see better results. Just don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!
3. Save Money
The average cost of a gym membership is around $60 per month, which isn’t bad if you can get there everyday. However, with a busy lifestyle, making time to go to the gym isn’t always easy. The good news is outdoor exercise is free, and can pretty much be done anywhere, anytime! All you need is your body and a safe place to exercise – no membership required!
4. Extend Your Workout
Whether you’re running through the park or biking around your neighborhood, the distractions of the outdoors will take your mind off of working out. This will likely result in you not paying attention to the clock, and working out longer than you would inside. Since you’re working out longer, you’ll also boost the amount of calories you burn resulting in a tougher workout.
5. Boost Your Social Life
Exercise can be a lot more fun when you do it with a friend or family member. Instead of grabbing a drink or meeting for lunch, set a time to go for a walk. Having someone to chat with can make your workout fly by and be a great way to stay connected to people in your life.
6. You Won’t Get Bored
Going to the gym or the same workout class everyday can get boring, and if you’re bored, you’re more likely to give up on your fitness routine. There are countless ways to stay active outside and many of the workouts you do in the gym can be done outside as well. Bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere and can increase balance and stability while strengthening muscles.
These are just a few benefits of getting outside to exercise and changing the pace of your regular workout routine. While exercise of any kind is beneficial, getting outside takes the rewards to another level. At Southwoods Health, we believe in providing you with the information you need to benefit your overall health. Keep checking our blog for more tips on how to be healthier in all facets of your life!
