Outdoor Workouts: Embracing Nature for a Refreshing Fitness Experience
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There’s just something else about sweating it out amidst nature with the sun beaming down on you. Working out indoors in the gym or at home may be convenient and comfortable but it can quickly become monotonous and boring. And we do not want our exercise to become boring, do we?
Enter the outdoor workout, where you can just step out in the fresh air and exercise to bring about a change of scenery in your routine. Whether it’s a morning run, cycling, yoga in the park, or a full-fledged workout in the garden, there’s no denying that outdoor workouts can be very refreshing and enjoyable.
In this blog, let us explore the benefits of working out outdoors and why it’s a great idea to try this at least a couple of times a week or even more.
What are Outdoor Workouts?
Outdoor workouts can refer to any form of physical activity performed in natural settings, such as gardens, parks, beaches, or mountains. Whether it's jogging, cycling, hiking, or practising yoga, outdoor exercises provide a welcome change of scenery that invigorates the mind and body.
Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
Better Physical Health
Outdoor exercise is exercise, so it’s bound to be advantageous to your health. But the standard health benefits aside, working out outdoors also has some unique merits. Outdoor workouts offer diverse terrain and elements, which engage different muscle groups and challenge our bodies in new ways. For example, the uneven terrain of hiking, or the water’s resistance during swimming can develop our core and improve stability. Additionally, exposure to natural sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
Improved Mental Health
Being in nature has a therapeutic effect on our mental health. In this study conducted on 20,000 people, it was found that spending time in greenery leads to better physical and psychological health. Outdoor exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression while increasing self-esteem and overall happiness. The calming effect of natural surroundings, coupled with the release of endorphins during physical activity, can lead to improved cognitive function and enhanced creativity.
Bond With Nature
The modern world mostly prevents us from bonding with nature directly. Outdoor workouts allow us to reconnect with the natural world, developing a deeper appreciation for our environment. We can witness our beautiful surroundings, hear birds chirping, and the seas raging when we’re outdoors. This connection to nature can cultivate a sense of mindfulness and gratitude.
A Change of Routine
Adding an outdoor workout to your routine can prevent your exercise from becoming monotonous. Some burnout may be possible if all you’re doing is going from your home to the gym and back day in and day out. One or two outdoor excursions for working out may refresh your mind and bring back the zeal in your workouts.
Popular Outdoor Workout Activities
If you’re keen on starting outdoor workouts, what are your options? There are plenty of exercises you can opt for when outdoors. Running and cycling may be the most convenient and can be done on jogging tracks or parks. You can also do yoga, pilates and bodyweight exercises in the garden. If you want something more intense, you can look for hiking trails and go hiking to work up those muscles.
Safety Precautions for Outdoor Workouts
If you’re planning on working out outdoors, it is better to keep a few tips in mind because the outdoors cannot afford the same safety and security that an indoor, air-conditioned gym can. Here’s how you can safely workout outdoors:
- Stay Hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to prevent dehydration in the sun.
- Use adequate skin protection: Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn if you’re working outdoors for long.
- Prioritise safety: When cycling, use safety gear like helmets and knee pads. When jogging or cycling, ensure you do so away from traffic on dedicated jogging or cycling tracks.
- Use Tried and Tested Hiking Trails: It is safer to go on tried and tested hiking trails rather than wandering off on your own as an adventure.
Do you also want to try outdoor workouts for a change of scenery? If yes, then get the FITPASS app today and start finding exciting outdoor cycling classes and swimming classes. If you’re not keen on actual biking outdoors, you can always find fitness centres or an indoor spinning class to reap the same benefits. Since an outdoor workout every day may not be convenient, use FITPASS-TV to get live video workout sessions so you can also mix it up with indoor workouts.
Any physical exercise done in the natural setting outdoors can be termed as an outdoor workout. This can be running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga outside etc.
Outdoor workouts expose us to natural elements and terrain, helping us develop better strength, improve mental health and increase our bond with nature.
Yes, outdoor exercises are suitable for everyone, but care must be taken to avoid them if outside temperatures are too high.
