Head Outdoors for Better Workouts
By Donna Stark
Whether it's the people participating in a fitness camp or your neighbor down the street, the ones you see exercising outdoors are the ones who truly understand the benefits of doing so. Outdoor workouts not only help to improve your physical health, they can help improve your mental and emotional health too! And when you add in some sunshine and a cool breeze to the mix, nothing else can compare! Let's take a look at some of the benefits you'll receive by working out with Mother Nature by your side.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
It's long been known that on their own, exercise and spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. So, it makes sense, then, that when you combine the two, a powerful stress-fighting combination can be created. Here's why.
- Exercise - Daily exercise promotes the production of serotonin and the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-boosting chemicals and internal painkillers
- Nature - Spending time outdoors can help alleviate the feelings associated with stress and anxiety by improving moods, generating happiness, and increasing mindfulness
Better Workouts
Your life is very busy, so if you are going to spend the time to work out every day, you definitely want to make sure it is going to be worth it. And that's why you should take your fitness routine outdoors. Exercising outdoors contributes to more successful workouts for several different reasons. Check a few of them out below.
- Most people tend to work out for longer periods of time when outdoors
- Exercising outside comes with unique challenges you won't find in a gym (hills, changes in terrain, and inclement weather)
- Outdoor workouts can be less distracting (no television sets, lines for equipment, or social interactions)
Less Expense
If you can put a hold on both your gym membership and the monthly fees associated with it, you could save a bit of money by taking your workouts outdoors. And who doesn't like extra money during the summertime? By skipping the gym for a couple of months, you can cut down on the amount of gas you use, skip the monthly gym membership fees, and eliminate the temptation to stop for those post-workout smoothies you have grown to love on the way home.
Getting Your Sweat On
Hopefully, the reasons above have convinced you to incorporate more of the great outdoors into your daily workouts. There are so many benefits that will come your way if you do and there is no better time in the year to do so than now!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Knightdale, N.C.