The Health Benefits of Exercising Outdoors

By Brandi Swieter 

Exercise is always beneficial to the body, but exercising outdoors can have an even greater impact. People who choose to work out outside get the best of both worlds: they are improving fitness while also working on mental health. Nature helps heal the mind while exercise can improve the body. Anyone hoping to improve overall health should choose an outdoor workout over an indoor one.

Challenging Terrain Boosts Cardiovascular Health

An indoor gym does not offer a change in terrain unless a treadmill has an incline. Even still, there is not as much effort put into gym equipment as there is when working out outdoors. A challenging terrain like that offered outside boosts cardiovascular health. The heart has to work harder as the body works harder to make it up a hill or down a slope.

Wind Resistance Burns Calories

The wind can be a huge help during a workout. Those who exercise when the wind is strong and blowing hard have to work even harder to get through their task. This is particularly true when it comes to walking or running. The person has to walk or run against the wind, giving them better resistance that can burn more calories. There is no resistance to worry about when using an indoor track.

A Natural Environment Enhances Mood

Improving fitness isn’t the only benefit of an outdoor workout. The natural environment provided also works to enhance mood. Those who feel depressed, anxious, nervous, sad, stressed, or otherwise upset about life can exercise outside in an effort to improve mental clarity and decrease their symptoms.

Outdoor Exercise Increases Energy

Thanks to Vitamin D provided by the sun and an invigorating workout outdoors, people are much more likely to feel energized and revitalized after exercising outdoors than they do inside. An indoor workout tends to leave people feeling run down and tired. An outdoor one gives people that extra oomph they need to get through the rest of the day.

Anyone hoping to improve fitness and overall health should work out outdoors. An outdoor workout brings many health benefits, including a decrease in stress thanks to being out in nature. Individuals who experience any pain or discomfort after their workout can visit The Joint Chiropractic to receive an assessment. Joint restrictions in the spine may be the culprit. Having them removed could greatly increase range of motion and ability to work out efficiently, making it even more beneficial to the body.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anderson, S.C.

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