Why Should You Take Up Outdoor Exercise Activities?

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There is no denying the numerous health benefits of physical exercise. Regular workouts can prevent several illnesses, lower stress, improve mood, and many more. Still, less than half of Americans meet the CDC's physical activity guidelines, and many of those who do choose to keep fit indoors. Indeed, an Outdoor Foundation report revealed that nearly 50% of the American population didn't go outside to get some exercise in 2018 alone. However, working out in the great outdoors comes with several perks worth knowing. Here are some good reasons why you should take up outdoor exercise activities.

 

1. Low cost

 

Many people often cite cost as one of the biggest barriers to regular exercise. Luckily, the outdoors offers fitness enthusiasts and trainers an affordable alternative. While high gym and fitness studio prices may turn you away from keeping fit regularly, outdoor venues like local parks, low-traffic neighborhood streets, and even staircases provide free space for physical activity. You don't have to pay for access to these public spaces, leaving you with enough cash to spend on gear sold by ECOGEAR FX and other companies to further enjoy your exercise.

 

2. Enhance your social wellbeing

 

Exercise is one of the most underrated opportunities for socialization. Fitness clubs and groups bring people together for a common reason: to improve health and enjoy participating in an active lifestyle. People are more likely to exercise when a social component is involved since the participation of friends, family members, and even acquaintances increases motivation and make things more fun. Therefore, exercising outdoors in a group is worth considering to socialize with others and enjoy your fitness regime better. This rare combination of nature, physical activity, and socializing can have greater benefits for your mental health and a synergistic effect on wellness.

 

3. Connect with nature

 

People typically exercise more when they train outside because it is an excellent way to connect with nature. It is well-known that spending time in nature has immense mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. Therefore, outdoor exercise is a great way to simultaneously enjoy the benefits of physical activity and nature. A 2019 study explored the link between the amount of time spent outdoors weekly and self-reported health and wellbeing. It was discovered that individuals who spent at least 120 minutes outside in a week were more likely to report increased levels of good health and wellbeing than when they spent no time outside the previous week. The study also discovered that the results were the same irrespective of how the 120 minutes added up. Consequently, you can schedule your 120-minute long weekly exercise sessions in various ways to suit your preferences.

 

4. Burn more calories

 

Outdoor exercises can also help you burn more calories than indoor ones, making them potentially slightly more effective. For instance, research reveals that exercisers burn up to 10% more when they run or walk outside than on a treadmill at the same speed. John Porcari, the Clinical Exercise Physiology program director at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, explains that walking or running on a treadmill involves a moving belt's assistance and no wind resistance. Therefore, outdoor exercising can be more challenging, so it is best to engage in these activities to burn more calories with a similar effort.