Exercise is an activity that not many of us volunteer for gladly. It is an essential part of healthy living, but an exhausting and sometimes painful one at that – so what better way to make your workout more bearable than surrounded by luscious greenery, and breathing in the fresh air? Here are just a few of the benefits of exercising in nature.
As it stands, the UK is one of the poorest performers for regular exercise in Europe; according to a recent study, only around 56% of UK adults exercise even once a month. For the yo-yo-ers dipping their toes into gym life for weeks at a time, it can be difficult to build meaningful habits like warming up – increasing their likelihood of injury in the process.
While most of us might automatically think of the gym as the go-to place to work out, surrounded by weights, treadmills and various other machines, going back to basics and exercising in nature can bring even more benefits and enjoyment.
Why Do We Exercise?
First, its important to understand the role exercise has in our overall health. Many people approach exercise with general fitness goals in mind, such as the loss of weight or the ability to lift heavier things. Exercise can also have a vital role in promoting health as part of a wider weight-loss journey, as both supplement to and rehabilitation from gastric band surgery. Exercise has a number of effects on our body, from the growth and strengthening of muscle groups to the burning of excess fat and carbohydrates. Exercise can also reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, as a direct function of increased heart rate and blood flow.
Reduce Stress & Boost Your Immune System
Combining nature and exercise is a great way to reduce stress, spending time outside in the sunshine when working out is a great way to increase your vitamin D which boosts your immune system and helps fight depression. Exercising in nature means fresh air, improved mood all amidst beautiful surroundings.
An Improved Workout
Opting to head out into nature instead of the gym can give you a much more intensive workout. Exercise typically requires the strenuous use of muscle groups that don’t usually receive the same attention throughout the day. This is just as true for cardiovascular exercise as it is for weightlifting and other targeted exercises, and even a light jog requires the overextension of certain muscles, so you will need to warm up. With steep hills and rough terrain, exercising in nature is always full of variety, and allows you to push yourself that little bit harder. This variety will give you an improved and often more intense workout.
Injury Avoidance
Failing to warm up doesn’t just threaten the efficacy of your exercise; it can also result in serious physical injury. If your muscles are not suitably supple and ‘warmed’ before you exercise, you increase the risk of straining or even tearing them. Jumping straight into exercise without raising your heart rate can also impact your oxygen absorption and your blood pressure. So be sure to warm up, take things on step at a time and gradually introduce your outdoor workouts into your routine.
Photography by Annie Spratt
