You’re going to say “no way!”
Years ago I switched from being a “gym rat” to an outdoor exerciser. I remember it well. I looked around at the flourescent lighting and the hamster wheels (“cardio” equipment) and said to myself “I’m done!”.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re a personal trainer. That’s not possible!
Please don’t get me wrong. Gyms are a great place to exercise and I am a huge fan of indoor cardio equipment — especially when it is raining! I just realized that I live in California. The weather is great most of the time. And, what the heck was I doing inside exercising?
My dogs led the way!
At the time, I had overworked and over-trained myself and was dealing with low energy as well as depression. I wasn’t up for super intense workouts so I left the gym and started walking my dogs every night.
The transformation was amazing! I got my energy back — and my enthusiasm. I also realized that you do not have to beat your body to a pulp in a gym to be fit.
I realize that not everyone is where I was at. However, sooner or later everyone deals with stress in their life.
Research Confirms it!
A recent review of studies published in Environmental Science & Technology that focused on “outdoor exercise” discovered that physical activity in natural areas decreases the risk of mental illness and improves one’s sense of well-being.
Here’s what the researchers found:
- Two out of three participants said they had improved self-esteem.
- Two out of three people had improved mood.
- Three out of four people felt less depressed, tense and angry.
It gets better! The study found that just five minutes a day does the trick!
Here’s what else they said:
Exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, as well as decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression.
Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and stated that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date.
This may explain why walking is still the number one exercise of choice for Americans. We like to be active and outdoors. Even more important, we tend to exercise more consistently when it is outdoors!
Here’s how to get started:
So what does this mean for you? If you already exercise outdoors, you are benefiting in multiple ways. If you are just getting started, start with five minutes of outdoor exercise to improve psychological well-being. Work up to twenty minutes and you have now started an exercise routine!
You will get more value from consistent shorter bouts than inconsistent hour-long workouts.
Here’s some ways to get started:
- Walk at lunch
- Walk after dinner
- Play in the park
- Take a hike
- Walk on the beach
- Try light jogging
- Play a sport
- Swim
- Walk your dog
If you really like the gym, do not stop! Consider cross training with some outdoor activities. It doesn’t have to be formal exercise. Just being outdoors is what matters!
With summer here and so much positive research behind outdoor activity, I encourage you to get creative this summer. Try new activities. Visit new beaches and parks. Turn off the screens and get outside!
Let me know what you come up with. I love to hear from you!
Blessings!
Jennifer