6 Reasons To Exercise Outside

Exercising anywhere is a great way to boost energy levels, enhance strength, burn fat and generally maintain a healthy mind and body.

Some studies indicate that exercising outside can actually be better.

Not sure what type of exercise you could do without a gym to inspire you? There are loads of outdoor activities that will have you huffing, puffing, and burning fat! I’ll give you a few ideas further below.

Here are 6 reasons to exercise outside!

Save money

You don’t need a gym membership to stay in shape, nor do you need to break your bank. All you need is some motivation and space to move around.

Exercising outside has no time restricting contracts, and it doesn’t have to cost you a thing. Plus it has the added advantage of being able to switch up your locations whenever you feel like a bit of a change.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in building and maintaining strong bones, supporting weight loss and your metabolism, and regulating moods by staving off anxiety and depression.

The best way to receive your daily dose of vitamin D is to spend a little time outside in the sunlight. So why not combine exercise with your daily dose of vitamin D and take your training outdoors.

Fresh air

When you are huffing and puffing due to physical exertion, it is nice to know you are breathing in fresh air, as opposed to the smell of other people sweating.

More Space

Training outside has the added benefit of space. You have a lot more room to run, cycle, and move about.

You also have the added bonus of tailoring your surroundings to suit the style of exercise you would like to do, such as wide open spaces for running/cycling, stairs, benches, or park equipment for a calisthenic training session.

Motivation

The changing scenery, fresh air and social aspect of exercising outside can really help motivate people to get up and at it.

Many people find cycling or jogging in a park more enjoyable than using an exercise bike or treadmill. Because of this, they find they are more inclined to push themselves harder and go that little bit longer. I know I always go a little bit further when I’m running or walking outside!

Nature is good for your brain

Exercising in nature is associated with increased feelings of revitalization, increased energy and increased motivation.

It is believed that the combination of exercise, fresh air, and natural surroundings stimulates the production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These ‘happy hormones’ are released into your brain, helping you feel happy, focused, motivated and feeling great!

SO WHAT EXERCISES CAN YOU DO OUTSIDE?

Not sure where to start when it comes to exercising outdoors? There are lots of great option choose from.

Here are some outdoor exercising options that could be available for you.

Beach

On your next visit to the beach, why not tie in your relaxing day with a swim in the ocean or walk on the sand to burn some calories! Or better yet, why not give surfing a try!

Hiking

Walking up a mountain is a great way to explore new scenery and burn a huge amount of calories! It can also double as a social catch up with a friend.

Outdoor Sports

Whether you’re into ball sports such as soccer, golf or volleyball, or you prefer Oztag, Ultimate frisbee or rowing, there are many sports to choose from that will get you out and about in nature. It’s also a great social event!

Park workout

Instead of doing your HIIT or body weight circuit at the gym, try it outside in the park. If you’ve got a lot of space, you can also include some sprints in your circuit!

Alfresco classes

These are becoming increasingly popular which makes it more likely to be available near you. Classes such as yoga, tai chi, boot camp, boxing and pilates are just some of the class options that are being taken outside.