Surprising Ways Training Outdoors Benefit Your Health Even More

Amy Taylor June 01, 2016

Experts recommend at least two hours and thirty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical exercises per week to stay healthy. And if you are a regular gym-goer, you probably have no issues meeting this health advice. But instead of doing it inside an enclosed room, there are more reasons to consider working out outdoors. From lifting your mood to keeping your weight steady, you can make exercise more fun and easy to stick with by making nature a part of your routine!

It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D.

You know that vitamin D is important to your health. And where do you get it? Yes you are right - from sunlight. While this essential nutrient can be found in some food sources, you can get the most vitamin D from sun exposure. Working outdoors is a great way to ensure you are getting some sunlight. One study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who exercised outdoors more often had higher levels of vitamin D, reduced bad cholesterol, and lower risk of heart disease.

It makes working out more fun.

Exercising can be tiring and sometimes - boring - especially if you are doing the same routine in that same old gym. Running outside is a great way to take your exercise routine to a new level. The fresh air, lovely sceneries, and the thrill of being outdoors makes working out more fun. And when you are having fun, you are likely to stick to your workout routine.

It boosts your mood too.

Exercising alone lifts your mood. Imagine how happier you’d feel if you incorporate nature to it! A 2012 study by Glasgow University found that people who exercise outdoors are 50 per cent happier than those who work out in a gym. In the study, researchers looked at natural and non-natural environments for physical activity like running, cycling and waling. They found that being around trees and grass reduced people’s stress levels.

You tone your whole body… for free!

Say goodbye to expensive gym memberships. You can achieve the figure you want for free just by working out outdoors. Run instead of jog. For best results, go from some sprints. These short, sharp bursts of movement makes you burn fats easier and faster, and at the same time, tones your muscles.

Try exercising outdoors this week and let us know how it went.