I have mentioned numerous times how I enjoyed exercising outside. The majority of my cardio workouts are running or walking in mother nature. Since I am in Florida, and the sun is often dangerously strong, I typically do this early morning or near sunset, and always wear my sun block. In many other places, the beauty of Spring is here: The flowers outside are blossoming, the sun is bright, the birds are singing and the temperatures are going up.

Breath of Fresh Air

When we go outside, there are open spaces and plant life. Plants make oxygen, and that means cleaner, fresher air to breath. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand that certain areas around the world battle with harsh outdoor pollutants than others.  However, “EPA studies indicate that the levels of many air pollutants may be two to five times higher in indoor air than outdoor air. In some cases, indoor air pollutants may even be 100 times higher than outdoors. ”  ^[1]

Sunlight and Vitamin D

Before I go into how beneficial Vitamin D is, let me mention how important it is to wear sun block. As a melanoma survivor, if you lather up 20 minutes before exposure to sunlight, you are reducing the risk of skin cancer. There is a myth about sun block preventing vitamin D. “An Australian study that’s often cited showed no difference in vitamin D between adults randomly assigned to use sunscreen one summer and those assigned a placebo cream. ” ^[2]

Typically, people who are obese are twice as likely to be low in Vitamin D. Before injections or pills, try a daily dose of the outdoors.

Peacefully Beautiful

For Florida, we have a lot green and nature parks around us. For other parts of the world, you have places like national parks, mountains, and other wonders of nature. Take the time to enjoy the surroundings that are in your backyard. The outdoors and exercise have proven to increase serotonin levels, which can make you a happier and healthier person all around. ^[3]

Challenging

Being outside not only challenges the mind, but also the body. There are factors like wind resistance, terrain changes, and even running downhill. These various factors will work muscles differently than sitting on a machine inside. For me, I also find it easier to utilize my time better.

When pressed for time, I often go for a run before work. It takes me less time to get dressed, stretch and run than it does to battle traffic on the way to the gym.

Emotional Wellness

Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a Japanese scientist from Chiba University, conducted a study where a group of individuals were tested to see the stress physiology between indoor and outdoor exercises. The subjects walked 40 minutes – in a forest setting and on a treadmill in a laboratory. The results showed that walk through the forest setting revealed reduced blood pressure. Overall, the outdoor exercise boosted the subjects moods and reduced stress.  ^[4]

No Matter What, Have Fun

I can go on forever with various studies and benefits of exercising outdoors. However, the most important part about anything in our lives is to have fun. If you hate running, go for a walk. If you hate walking, go rollerblading or swimming. The idea is to get outside and do something that you will enjoy while being active.