What Are the Health Benefits of Exercising Outdoors?
For some of us (me!), these are the days we wait all winter for—when sunlight lingers long past cleared dinner plates, sunshine warms our skin, and trees are full and green. From hitting the pool to local hiking trails or courts, outdoor activities are calling your name. Whether you’re breaking out your trusty sneakers or bike or your goggles to hit the water, there’s so much to do outside, and it turns out the benefits go well beyond the fun.
“From stronger cardiovascular conditioning and healthier vitamin D levels to reduced stress and improved mood, research continues to show that exercising outdoors can be one of the most effective, accessible tools for improving overall health,” says Kaitlyn Hanelt, PT, D.P.T., NCS. Here’s what fitness experts want you to know about why exercising outdoors is so good for your health.
1. Improves Mental Health & Reduces Stress: Longer, sunnier days can help many of us break out of the winter blues, and spending time exercising outdoors can also help lift our mood.
Excerpted from Eating Well
