Most Australians tend to prefer working out in the gym or even at home. These environments are generally clean and can be climate controlled with the use of air conditioning and fans. While there are obvious benefits to working out in indoor environments, such as escaping bad weather or exercising at night, there are numerous benefits associated with outdoor workouts and getting some exercise in. And it doesn’t hurt to get a little dirty in the process, depending on the kind of exercise (or sport) you’re involved in. This article is going to focus on some of the top benefits an outdoor workout brings to the table.
#1 – You Can Choose Different Locations
Working out indoors all the time can become very dull and routine. When you decide to at least do some of your exercises outdoors, you are free to choose from a variety of different locations. Not only is this far more stimulating, but you’ll find yourself invigorated and probably feel even more motivated to work out.
Whether you find a secluded location out in the wilderness to take a walk, go for a jog or even get busy on an exercise mat, it will prove to be infinitely more interesting than being surrounded by four walls in a climate-controlled room.
There are numerous places you could go to for your outdoor workouts. Including the park, the beach, near a lake or river, or even simply getting out in the backyard to perform a few exercise routines.
#2 – Breathe In the Fresh Air
Unless you’re jogging around busy city streets with traffic and car fumes, when you exercise outdoors in a clean and idyllic location, you’ll get to breathe in the pure fresh air, rather than stale air or recirculated air.
Not only is fresh air more beneficial to your health, it will also improve your workouts. For starters, you’ll be able to breathe easier as you exert yourself. More oxygen will also find its way into your bloodstream, which means an increase in stamina and endurance, as well as that oxygen being fed to your muscles and organs.
#3 – Getting a Little Dirty Can Be Fun
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting a little dirty while exercising, or even getting very dirty. In fact, depending on what you’re doing, it can even be fun.
Maybe you’re planning on doing some Bootcamp training or obstacle course training to get some exercise in. Or, you might decide to play some regular sport. Chances are, you’re going to get dirty doing these forms of exercise. But not to worry. A little dirt can be good for you, especially mentally. Let go, be free and simply have some fun with it. You can always have a shower and wash your clothes and shoes afterwards.
#4 – Exercising Outside Can Improve Your Mind and Your Mood
Your main goals when you exercise will likely include some or all of the following:
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Increase endurance
- Build muscle mass
- Decrease body fat
- Improve your physical appearance
- Lessen your chances of developing heart disease
- Improve your overall health
- Increase muscle strength
- Become more flexible and agile
- Improved coordination
These are all credible and important health and fitness goals. However, the health of the mind is equally as important and can also impact the health of the body.
When you embark on outdoor exercise, your mind will be so much more stimulated by new surroundings, particularly if you choose to work out somewhere amongst nature. Couple this with the natural mental health benefits that exercise provides and your mind will be refreshed, clear and revitalised. This leads to improved mood, better decision making, increased fine motor control and a positive outlook in general.
You get the best of everything when you decide to do some or all of your exercise in an outdoor environment. It’s also a natural antidepressant.
#5 – Outdoor Workouts are Generally Free
No expensive monthly gym fees are required to go for a walk, a jog, take your exercise mat to the beach for an abs workout and so on. It’s free to do any time you please. The only costs involved would be transport costs if you travel somewhere to perform your exercises, costs associated with the purchase of gym mats, or any associated fees involved in playing a sport. However, there are numerous opportunities to get outside and exercise that won’t cost a thing.
#6 – Less Routine and Boredom Leads To More Motivation
Because getting outside provides so many different settings and variables, it instantly makes exercising a lot more interesting. The more interested and stimulated you are, the more motivated you will likely be.
Sometimes, home and gym routines can become so mundane that it’s hard to motivate yourself to get into your exercise or even to begin at all. When you feel excited about going to an outdoor location to do a workout, you’ll find yourself actually feeling keen to get stuck into it. Not only does this ensure you’re regular with your exercising, but you will also get more out of your workouts when you feel motivated.
The Takeaway
Get down and dirty and get outside for some exercise, at least occasionally. Keeping fit or getting in shape is by no way restricted to indoor activities alone. A whole world awaits you outside, so take full advantage of it and soak up the benefits.
Sources:
https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/7935/the-power-of-dirt-the-benefits-of-outdoor-workouts/#:~:text=A%20good%20old%2Dfashioned%20messy,improves%20overall%20outlook%20and%20mood.
https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/7-health-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise
