With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, our thoughts naturally turn to spending more time outdoors. What most people don’t realize is that making the time to go out can be a great way to improve not only your mood but also your health. When we step outside, we are more inclined to stay active. Making any kind of outdoor exercise a permanent habit is a great way to increase your physical fitness and boost how well you keep in shape as you age.
What Can You Do?
Hiking
Many people underestimate how fun and rewarding hiking can be. While some head to local parks for a quick hike, others find spots that offer longer and more difficult trails. No matter the path you choose, being out in the sunshine and getting a workout helps your body thrive and continually build up your muscles. The great thing about hiking is that it can be done year round, and many places offer scenic routes. If you crave some peace and quiet, you can hike alone, or it can be a fun family activity that everyone can participate in.
Biking
Whether you are taking a short spin around the neighborhood, or a serious biker who routinely logs in many miles each weekend, this type of activity promotes better cardiovascular health as well as improved muscle tone. The other option is to work out indoors. Many fitness centers and local YMCAs offer cycle classes for beginners all the way up to serious cyclists. Indoor bikes are often equipped with easy-to-use technology that can measure your heart rate, calories, and other signs of a hearty workout.
Swimming
Jumping into a pool, lake, or even the ocean is a great activity for people of all ages. When you are in the water, you exercise muscles that don’t normally get a workout, so your body responds by getting stronger and more fit. Swimming is usually associated with having fun, so you may not even realize you are helping to improve your health while you do it. When swimming is introduced to children at a young age, it not only helps to keep them safer but also teaches them to be excited about exercise.
Walking
Are you a morning person or an evening person? Take a look around your local neighborhood, and odds are you will see some of the same people walking every day. Taking a daily walk is a good habit to cultivate. There is no cost involved; you can go at your own pace, and no matter how fast or slow you go, there are many health benefits.
Relaxing
Improving your health doesn’t always need to be related to movement. Sometimes, all you need to do is sit outside with a good book or invite friends over for a picnic. Taking time for yourself and having fun while you do it is always a good thing. We all seem to be in a constant rush these days, so taking the time to really pause and give yourself quality moments away from work or school can work wonders for your mental health and well-being.
Here’s Why You Should Exercise Outdoors:
It’s a natural antidepressant. Outdoor exercise can help ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression and anxiety because sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood. And exercise itself produces endorphins, another feel-good hormone that boosts your mood and reduces pain.
It challenges your body. When exercising on ever-changing outdoor terrain, your body is more challenged than when it is working out on a flat indoor surface.
It provides mental relief. Many people feel a lot of tension about working out, losing weight and lowering their blood pressure. Outdoor exercise is enjoyable and feels more like play than a chore.
You can turn it into a social outing. Exercise can become a lot more stimulating if you involve family and friends. Instead of meeting a friend for lunch or coffee, consider going for a walk. Or take your family out for a walk together instead of watching TV after dinner.
The next time you need some energy or want a quick way to improve how you feel, be sure to head outside and enjoy the great outdoors!
