Regular Exercise has tons of benefits. From improved mood to decreased belly fat, working out is good for everyone. Getting your exercise outdoors has some specific pros above and beyond just getting a quick jog in on the treadmill. Take a look at these 5 reasons to take your work out outdoors.
3. It's Fun
The sun shining down, the smell of fresh,
green grass, and a light breeze across
your skin — who wouldn’t choose that
over staying indoors? Taking time for
fitness in the great outdoors makes
working out more fun. Studies show it
can even make you more likely to
workout again.
4. Bigger Burn
When you workout outdoors, you’ll
probably burn even more calories
than you would working out in the
gym. Studies of runners (treadmill
vs. outdoor running), cyclists
(stationary bike indoors vs. outdoor
riding), and walkers have shown
that people exert more energy in
the outdoor activity.
5. Sleep Better
If you workout in the morning sunshine, you will help set your
circadian clock, which will both help you fall asleep and wake
up more easily.
6. Save Money
The average gym membership costs about $55 per
month. That’s nearly $700 a year. Not a small price to
pay for fitness. If you spend just half the year working
out in nature, you’ll save yourself enough for a
designer bikini to show off that figure you’ve been
working so hard on or a nice little bonus to your
retirement fund.
7. Get your Vitamin D
Spending enough time outdoors in
sunlight helps you get your Vitamin D
in. A great health benefit!
8. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends that adults aged 16 to 64 should get two hours
and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week,
including two days of muscle strengthening moves. It can be
done in 10-minute increments. A brisk walk to the corner
store could count as one of your outdoor mini-workouts. Just
three, 10-minute walks, five days a week will meet the CDC
recommendations and bring you all these incredible benefits.