Instead of trying to drag yourself to the gym to run on the treadmill for an hour, get outside instead! Doing workouts outdoors is fun, inexpensive and creative way to take your health and workouts to the next level. Working out should be enjoyable, not feel like a daunting task. Read these 5 reasons to take yourself, and your workout outside!
Nature and the Views!
Staring at the TV or out the window into the parking lot while on the treadmill is not the greatest motivation. Taking your workout outdoors will give you a positive perspective, and open up many doors and paths for you to continuously explore. Instead of waiting for the next available elliptical machine, you can be outdoors getting fresh air, surrounded by natural beauty and sights. Research shows how much nature has a positive effect on a person, especially if you’re near water. If you have trails near your area, just put your running shoes on and go! No lines, no other people, just you and nature.
Sunshine and Vitamin D
We’re sure you’ve heard someone tell you to get outside to take in the Vitamin D! Well there’s a reason for that. Sunlight naturally increases our Vitamin D supply and Vitamin D helps to benefit our bodies by protecting them against cancer and heart disease meanwhile helping to reducing depression and type 2 diabetes.
Summer Heat = Sweating!
It’s summer people, and that calls for excess amounts of “glowing”. Especially if we are outside getting in a good workout. Sweating offers a variety of health benefits from declogging toxic substances to fighting illnesses. Do keep in mind that you should try to avoid the harmful heat, which is strongest during the afternoon – try to stick to morning or evening workouts.
Spaciousness
We all know from experience that the gym can definitely get busy at certain times of the day including the mornings before work, and the evening right after everyone get’s out of work. You don’t have to settle for a wall-to-wall packed yoga or zumba session when you are trying to release stress at the end of your busy day. After all, how are you supposed to be one with nature when you are stuck in a windowless room with 30 other people?
Taking your workout outside can give you plenty of green space to do whatever you like – you can even take a group of friends and a portable speaker for music. Go to your nearest local park or even your own backyard! Wherever it may be, the possibilities are endless.
Natural Mood Enhancement
Just simply relaxing outdoors has an abundance of health benefits, so when you decide to add in some exercise, imagine the rewards you are providing your body! Partaking in physical activity outdoors can reduce stress levels, improve your self esteem, and help boost mental power. Those who decide to work out outdoors instead of in a gym will experience a greater effect on their mental health. Start by thinking about how good the sun feels on your skin… instant happiness!
