Exercise is great for us. Forgive the statement of the obvious there. But did you know there could be plenty of hidden extra bonus benefits if your exercise takes place outdoors?
Historically, humans spent much of their lives outdoors, hunting, farming and working. Fast forward to today though, and humans spend way too much time enclosed in brick walls with artificial lighting. Lots of us spend so much of our lives indoors. Most of us work indoors, we live indoors, we sleep indoors. Many of our existing leisure activities (watching movies on Netflix, playing casino games at Richard
Casino, listening to music on Spotify, playing games on the PS5 or shopping on Amazon) are screen based and indoors. So making an effort to enjoy primarily outdoor based
activities has a ton of benefits.
Whether it’s football outside, hiking or anything else, here are some of the added benefits of the time spent outdoors.
Reduces Stress
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between work, school, and everything else, stress can creep up on you. The constant pings from your phone, social media updates, and the hustle of everyday life can really take a toll on your mind. One great way to tackle this stress is to get outside and get moving!
Research from 2010 shows that being active in nature can seriously lower stress levels, especially for people in high-pressure jobs or those juggling busy academic schedules. You don’t even need to spend hours outside to feel the benefits! A 2019 study found that just two hours in nature per week – that’s only about 17 minutes a day – can give your mental well-being a boost.
So whether it’s a short stroll around the block or a jog in the park, you’re doing wonders for your mental health. Plus, activities like running or hiking can be a great way to clear your head and feel more in tune with your surroundings.
Boosts Your Vitamin D
Vitamin D is super important for keeping our immune systems strong, muscles working well, and bones healthy. The best way to get it? Sunlight! When you’re out and about, enjoying outdoor sports or even just soaking up the sun, your body naturally tops up its vitamin D levels.
Spending time outside regularly is a simple, easy way to look after your health – and it’s something you can fit into any routine!
Helps Your Heart and Blood Pressure
Many of us struggle with high blood pressure, and while medicine is often prescribed, getting active outdoors can make a big difference too.
Studies show that exercising outside – compared to indoors – offers extra benefits. For example, people who walk in green spaces like parks see better heart rate improvements and lower blood pressure than those who walk in urban areas. So why not swap your gym routine for a run in the park or a game of football on the field?
Get Back to Nature
Outdoor sports let you reconnect with the natural world in a way that you just can’t indoors. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or even having a picnic in the park, being outside helps you appreciate the beauty of nature around you.
Spending time outdoors also gives you the chance to slow down, reflect, and enjoy your surroundings. Who knows? You might even discover a new hobby like birdwatching or nature photography!
Uplifts Your Mental Health
Nature has an amazing ability to lift our mood. Studies show that people who spend more time outdoors tend to feel less anxious, stressed, and even less depressed. Plus, nature can help boost your creativity and brainpower!
Even if you can’t get out as much as you’d like, watching a nature documentary can still help you feel a bit more relaxed.
Build Community
We all need to feel like we belong, and outdoor sports can help you meet new people. When you’re out running, cycling, or hiking, you often cross paths with others who share the same interests. It’s a great way to strike up conversations and make friends.
Joining group activities like a hiking club or outdoor fitness class can help you strengthen social connections, all while working towards your fitness goals together.
Boosts Memory and Brainpower
Exercising outside can improve your memory and cognitive function. A study published in Sage Journals found that people who spend time in nature performed better in memory tests than those exercising in cities.
Being out in natural surroundings gives your brain a boost and keeps your mind sharp – a great reason to balance screen time with some outdoor activity!
Longer, More Enjoyable Workouts
Let’s be honest: working out indoors can sometimes feel like a bit of a slog. But when you’re outside, time flies! The fresh air, beautiful views, and sense of adventure make it much easier to keep going for longer.
Research shows that people who exercise outside tend to walk faster and exercise for longer than those indoors. So next time you’re looking for a way to shake up your routine, try heading outside.
Stick to Your Exercise Goals
Starting a workout routine is one thing – sticking to it is another! Outdoor sports can help you stay committed to regular exercise.
A 2015 study found that people who exercise outside tend to stick with it longer than those who work out indoors. Once you get a taste for outdoor fitness, it can really ignite your passion for keeping fit.
Free, Fun Fitness
Who said fitness had to cost a fortune? While gyms and personal trainers are great, outdoor sports offer a fantastic (and free!) alternative.
Running, cycling, or hiking don’t require much more than basic gear and access to your local parks or trails. It’s a cost-effective way to get fit while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
In Summary
Getting outside for some fresh air and exercise comes with so many benefits. From reducing stress and improving mental health to connecting with nature and boosting your fitness levels, the perks of outdoor sports are hard to ignore. By weaving outdoor activities into your day-to-day life, you’ll not only get fit, but you’ll also feel more relaxed and happier.
So, why not take advantage of the great outdoors and make outdoor fitness a regular part of your routine? Whether it’s running, hiking, or just enjoying yoga in the park, there’s something out there for everyone. Enjoy the fresh air and feel the benefits – you’ll be healthier and happier for it!