Outdoor sports. Photo: Pixabay
There are many benefits of exercising outdoors, from stress relief to burning calories and getting a better night’s sleep.
Whether you go for a long walk in the city or go mountain biking in the woods, outdoor exercise has many positive effects on your physical and mental health, helping you to relax and improve your fitness at the same time. Researchers have found that exercise in the presence of nature leads to even more positive effects. It can lead to greater self-esteem and a better mood. The effect is greatest near water.
Reduces stress
Several studies have shown that outdoor exercise can have a positive effect on your overall well-being. Lower levels of heart rate, blood pressure, and reduced stress were consequences of more outdoor exercise.
A happier feeling
Both exercise and spending time in nature are known to have a positive effect on your mental health. But researchers measured the effect of both. Participants in the study walked on a treadmill while various outdoor scenes were projected onto the wall.
The researchers found that exercise significantly lowered blood pressure and increased self-esteem and mood. But when the participants were shown pleasant rural and urban scenes, their self-esteem improved even further.
Another study compared the mental health benefits of exercise in different settings, such as the beach and the riverbank. The results were improved self-esteem and confidence, less stress and a happier feeling.
Burns more calories
Moving outside offers additional benefits, such as a better condition, better immune function and stimulating all five senses, which in turn stimulates the brain.
Walking or running outside has been shown to burn up to 10% more calories compared to the same speed on a treadmill. This may be because a treadmill at the gym “pulls you along”, while you have to lift your feet more outside. When it’s colder outside, you burn even more calories.
You train longer
By going outside you will be motivated faster to move more. Exercising in a natural environment can be more pleasant than indoors, which can help you to exercise longer. So find the nearest park and test this theory!
Improves your sleep
Research has shown that exercising outside in the morning improves sleep more than exercising in the afternoon. The results of the study also showed that women who spent less time outside slept less overall.
So if you struggle to get up early, it might be worth setting your alarm for sunrise and clearing some space in your schedule.
