Years ago I switched from being a “gym rat” to an outdoor exerciser. I remember it well. I looked around at the fluorescent 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, from time to time stress can show up in our lives and outdoor activity is a powerful way to help manage it.
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!
The study also revealed that 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 SOME EXAMPLES OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:
Walk at lunch
Walk after dinner
Play in the park with your kids
Take a hike
Walk on the beach
Try light jogging
Play a sport
Swim
Walk your dog
If you already exercise outdoors, you are benefiting in multiple ways. If you are just getting started, begin with five minutes of outdoor exercise to improve psychological well-being. Work up to twenty minutes and you have now created an exercise routine.
You will get more value from consistent shorter bouts than inconsistent hour-long workouts.
If you really like the gym that’s totally ok, please do not stop going! I have no desire for you to change something that is working for you. However, you many want to consider cross training with some outdoor activities. It doesn’t have to be formal exercise. Just being outdoors is what matters!
With so much positive research behind outdoor activity, I encourage you to get creative with your exercise routine. 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
