With the hottest months in Florida behind us, many people are starting to take advantage of the cooler weather to exercise outdoors. Exercise has been shown to help our physical and mental wellbeing as well as our weight loss journey. Being outside has incredible health benefits, including sunshine for precious Vitamin D and plenty of freedom to exercise as you want.
Here’s why we believe you should start exercising outside today:
Ease of Access
Common barriers to exercise often include time, traffic, paying for parking, and crowded gyms, the latter of which may pose added risks of being exposed to COVID-19. If you don’t wake up early enough or if you go to the gym after 5 pm, you risk having to wait to use gym equipment, making yet another excuse to skip your workout for the day, as well as being able to better control social distancing. By taking advantage of the great outdoors, you can reduce your risks and these barriers.
Exercising outdoors also gives you the freedom to exercise as you want and do so safely. Simply taking a walk for twenty or thirty minutes each day has been shown to provide both physical and mental health benefits. Many outdoor areas often have benches, small hills, and even designated exercise equipment that you can use for a variety of resistance-training exercises.
Vitamin D
Having little or no sun exposure may put a person at risk for low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is best known for its vital role in bone health. This “sunshine” vitamin regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitates normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is critical for normal bone growth and development, as well as boosting your immune system.
If you have a vitamin D deficiency, check out Doc’s Immune Defense Support Package to help maintain optimal natural immunity.
Improved Mood
There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures have caused stress and depression for many. While some of your favorite stress-relief activities may be on hold due to COVID regulations, research has shown that getting outside plays an important part in improving your mental and physical health.
Your body releases feel-good hormones like dopamine when you exercise outdoors. A simple walk outside can reduce feelings of depression and boost energy levels. Instead of lounging around all day, try putting on your sneakers and getting some exercise outdoors.
Workout Longer and Harder
Have you ever worked out indoors only to find yourself attached to your phone while walking on the treadmill? Working out indoors oftentimes leads to boredom. When you decide to exercise outdoors, you are more likely to enjoy your workout since you can see new scenery and breathe in the fresh air. This also means that you are “nudged” to work out longer.
When you are active outdoors, your body is encountering a constantly changing environment, which can lead to a more intense workout. Since your surroundings (such as slight inclines and obstacles) are always changing, your body must work harder than if you were to run on a treadmill inside.
Staying Safe This Winter Season
If you want to reap these amazing benefits of exercising outdoors, remember to practice social distancing and avoid crowds. Remember to always follow CDC guidelines whenever possible and stay safe!
