8 Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Reducing Depression, Stress, and Anxiety

Exercise is good for your mental well-being, regardless of where you do it. Any movement, from a gentle walk to high-intensity training, activates the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters known as endorphins that lower stress hormones to lift your mood and improve focus and sleep.




Endorphins can even increase feelings of contentment and reduce pain, and some studies have shown that those who exercise regularly are less prone to depression.




So why not just exercise indoors? There’s also research indicating that getting your heart rate up in nature provides an additional boost to endorphin release. A comparative study found that those who exercised outdoors reported feeling more energized and uplifted than those who did the same exercises indoors.




In addition, evidence shows that people who participate in outdoor activities feel less anxious and stressed compared to their counterparts who train indoors. 




Considering these findings, outdoor exercise and optimized endorphin release go hand in hand. We’re organic beings, which makes the impulse to connect with nature instinctive.




Improving Self-Esteem

It may sound unusual on the surface, but outdoor training can increase a person’s self-esteem. This makes sense when you consider the fact that it reduces your levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. It works almost like a seesaw; when these unpleasant mental states go down, self-esteem and confidence go up.




Better Exercise Commitment and Consistency

We’ve all been there: raring to go, buying new training clothes and gear to motivate us, and starting a new routine full of enthusiasm. But soon this motivation dwindles, the new shiny set of weights sits in a corner gathering dust, and we’re back in the same old non-exercising rut. Many physical, psychological, and environmental factors can hobble your inspiration to exercise.




Exercising outside is one way to boost your commitment and consistency. A recent study compared the results between indoor and outdoor training routines. After 12 weeks, the outdoor training test group exercised more consistently than their indoor counterparts. This research also showed a more pronounced decline in depression in the outdoor group.




Increasing the Amount of Time Spent Exercising

A self-reported survey showed that when people perform activities outdoors, they do so for a longer period than performing the same activities indoors. This is especially true for older people.




Experts chalk this up to the enjoyment of fresh air and the intangible connection with nature.




Boosting Enjoyment of Exercise

When we enjoy something, we’re inclined to do it more regularly, and this extends to exercise.




Being outdoors makes exercise more pleasant. Experts argue that it creates a sense of escape from everyday stressors thanks to the change of scenery. This makes perfect sense, especially for those who are office-bound.




To get the most out of your outdoor training, it’s important to choose something you enjoy. Keep in mind that outdoor exercise doesn’t begin and end with jogging, walking, or cycling. Outdoor Pilates, weight training, and resistance exercises can all be done outdoors.




Promoting Healthy Sleep Patterns

Sleep is a cornerstone of overall good health and improves our well-being on multiple levels. The advantages of good sleep include better concentration, a stronger immune system, and faster recovery from injuries. It’s directly linked to energy levels and can even reduce the risk of chronic issues such as cardiac problems and diabetes.




In general, exercise helps with better sleep, and exercising outdoors helps even more. Some experts attribute this effect to exposure to natural light, which plays a key role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.




Amplifying Focus and Memory

Research indicates that a 15-minute walk is enough to boost your concentration and memory. Let’s put this into focus.




Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex. This, in turn, amplifies memory and concentration. An outdoor environment eliminates unimportant and distracting stimuli to optimize your “focus center”.




Increasing Vitamin D Levels

In tandem with calcium, vitamin D is essential for bone health. In fact, your body can only absorb calcium if it has enough vitamin D to do so. The latter also supports immunity and the effective functioning of muscles and brain cells. It is considered a core nutrient needed for a range of functions.




The sun is an abundant source of vitamin D, and exercising outdoors stimulates your body’s production of vitamin D. Sun protection remains important, however, so be sure to use sunscreen.

It’s Time to Train Outdoors

There are plenty of enjoyable activities you can try outdoors. We’ve already mentioned jogging, walking, and cycling, but you can also surf, do tai chi or yoga, ski, snowshoe, play tennis, kayak, or skateboard. The list is endless.

Nature is more than just scenery; it’s the ultimate training ground. Start exercising outdoors and experience these benefits for yourself!

By: @Sam (Samantha Brooks)