There are countless reasons to start exercising outdoors today. From the health benefits to the social opportunities, read on to find out why you should make outdoor exercise a part of your daily routine.
Reason 1) Take advantage of the beautiful weather
When the sun’s out, there would be no reason to stay inside all cooped up. Especially not if you can enjoy the beautiful weather while working out. So, take a long walk, go swimming, or jogging and watch the weather change while you exercise.
Reason 2) Stimulate your senses
Everyone knows that exercising is good for the body, but did you know that it’s also good for your mind? When you exercise outdoors, the fresh air stimulates your senses and allows you to appreciate the world around you. Your ability to focus will be much better, as a result, making it easier to concentrate on your work.
Reason 3)Improve mood and mental health
While exercising indoors is a great solution when the weather is cold out, you should expose yourself to some sunlight as often as possible. It’s not just Vitamin D that the sun provides, but also a wide range of other benefits for your mind and body. Simply spending time outdoors can boost your mood by reducing stress levels, which in turn improves mental health.
Reason 4) Get more Vitamin D
While exercising indoors means you can let yourself go, with zero judgment from onlookers, this also means your body misses out on the benefits of sun tanning. No one’s saying you should sunbathe, but there are certain essential vitamins your body produces when exposed to sunlight. So, get out there and get some Vitamin D!
Reason 5) You don’t need any fancy equipment
There’s no need to drop by the local sporting goods store to get your hands on fancy equipment or expensive sports apparel. Just find a park near you and do some simple pull-ups, sit-ups, or jumping jacks.
Reason 6) Prevent injury by exercising on softer surfaces
Your joints might hurt if you’re jogging on the street all the time, but the grass is a soft surface that eases pressure on your joints while still allowing you to get a good workout. Or if you prefer more privacy while working out, you can get artificial grass installed in your backyard to get that green feel without the hassle.
Reason 7) You can play with your pets
Pets are great companions, but they also need to get some exercise. You can go for a run with your pet or simply practice yoga poses with your cat looking on (or maybe even participating). It’s a great way to bond with your pets and also get some exercise in.
Reason 8) Enjoy nature while exercising
If you’re fed up with the humdrum of city life, there is no better way than exercising outdoors to remove yourself from the city chaos and relax in nature. Make it a habit to go on a jog or walk outdoors every weekend to enjoy the best of what the great outdoors has to offer.
Reason 9) Boost your immune system
You don’t want to miss out on the beautiful weather when you’re sick, right? Getting some fresh air can help boost your immune system. Studies show that exercising outdoors regularly can increase white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and illnesses. So, it’s time to hit the trails and get some fresh air.
Reason 10) It’s free — cheaper than any gym membership
Who said that you have to break the bank just to get a decent workout in? If you live near a park, simply lace up your shoes, put on some sunscreen, and go for a run. That’s not all, you can also enjoy free yoga sessions in many public places or use those free weights lying around. You might as well bring your workout outdoors and save some money while you’re at it.
Reason 11) Motivate and socialize with others
Exercising doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. You can join a local marathon or go on a jog with friends, family, or neighbors. Not only is it great motivation to keep going on those days when you really don’t feel like exercising, but meeting up with others also provides an opportunity to socialize and help you make friends.
The world is your oyster and there’s no reason why you should miss out on the benefits of exercising outdoors. Of course, there will always be a time and a place for indoor workouts, but consider exercising outdoors the next time you feel the need to burn some calories.
