Working out is essential for cultivating mental and physical health, but did you know that where you work out can be just as important as the exercise you do? While there are certainly perks to exercising in any location, taking your workouts outside can bring a few unexpected benefits you may not find inside a gym. By incorporating fresh air and sunshine into your workout routine, you can improve your overall wellbeing and develop a more complete perspective on your fitness journey. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working out in nature and some tips for how to do it.
Boost your mood
Time in nature has been scientifically proven to have a profoundly positive effect on mood and mental health. Fresh air and sunshine can help to reduce stress and anxiety by increasing our bodies’ oxygen levels and triggering the release of serotonin in our brains. Try taking a brisk walk in your local park, hiking a local trail, or joining an outdoor yoga class.
Build community
Exercising outside is a great way to connect with the natural world, but it can also help you connect with others. You’re more likely to meet people and strike up conversations in public spaces than you are working out at home. Join a community gardening group, or see if there are group classes in any parks near you.
Burn more calories
Working out in nature can be more challenging than exercising indoors, which can help you burn more calories. Plus, the changing terrain can provide a more varied and interesting workout than machines such as treadmills and ellipticals. Trail running, rock climbing, and beach volleyball are great options that can really help to up the calorie burn.
