Written by Team Optimity

(3 min read)

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Are you feeling stressed out or overwhelmed? Do you find yourself spending too much time indoors? If so, it might be time to step outside and get moving! Research shows that exercising outdoors has many physical and mental health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Here are some of the top benefits of outdoor exercise:

Boosts Vitamin D Intake

When you exercise outdoors, you expose yourself to sunlight, which provides your body with essential vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are crucial for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. It also helps boost your immune system and can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

Exercising outdoors can also boost your mood and reduce stress. Being in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and the combination of physical activity and fresh air can help reduce stress levels. When you exercise outdoors, you also have the opportunity to connect with nature, which can be a powerful mood booster.

Increases Cardiovascular Fitness

Outdoor exercise can also improve your cardiovascular fitness. When you exercise outdoors, you have the opportunity to vary your terrain and challenge your body in new ways. For example, hiking on a trail with varying elevations can be a great cardiovascular workout that engages different muscle groups than running on a treadmill. Outdoor activities like biking, swimming, and kayaking can also provide excellent cardiovascular workouts.

Promotes Mindfulness

Outdoor exercise can also promote mindfulness. When you exercise outdoors, you have the opportunity to connect with your surroundings and be present in the moment. This can help you reduce distractions and focus on your body and your breath. Being mindful can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall wellbeing.

Now that you know the benefits of outdoor exercise, how can you incorporate it into your routine? Here are some tips:

Find an Activity You Enjoy

The key to sticking with outdoor exercise is to find an activity you enjoy. Whether it's hiking, biking, swimming, or something else, find an activity that you find fun and engaging. This will help you stay motivated and committed to your routine.

Set Achievable Goals

When starting an outdoor exercise routine, set achievable goals. Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This will help you avoid injury and build confidence as you progress.

Be Prepared

Make sure you have the right gear and equipment for your chosen activity. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring water and snacks, and consider a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

Mix It Up

Variety is the spice of life, and it's also important for your exercise routine. Mix up your outdoor activities to engage different muscle groups and prevent boredom. Try a new trail, a different park, or a new outdoor sport to keep things interesting.

Invite a Friend

Exercising with a friend can be a great way to stay motivated and committed to your routine. Invite a friend to join you on a hike or a bike ride, or join a local outdoor sports team to meet new people and have fun while staying active.

Exercising outdoors has many physical and mental health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Whether you're looking to boost your vitamin D intake, reduce stress, or improve your cardiovascular fitness, outdoor exercise can help. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and start moving!

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Join the conversation: Have any other tips for staying active outdoors? Comment and let us know below👇