It is important to keep active and look after yourself. Even if you follow a healthy diet and work out at home or at the gym regularly, nothing beats going outdoors and spending time in the fresh air.
Here are some benefits of exercising outdoors.
1. Vitamin D
Lack of vitamin D is more common than people realise. It is the cause of many ailments such as arthritis and loss of bone density. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, a lack of which can lead to bone and joint degeneration.
Although you can take supplements to combat deficiency, your body creates vitamin D naturally with the help of sunlight. All you need to do is spend a few minutes soaking in the sun and your body will do the rest.
2. Better mood
Being cooped up indoors all day due to lockdowns can make you depressed and anxious, and can lead to mood swings. Going outdoors can boost your mood.
Even if you cannot spend hours at a time outdoors, a few minutes every day – going for a brisk walk, taking the pets for a stroll, or bringing your children to the park – will be beneficial to your mental wellbeing.
The best options, of course, would be engaging in more vigorous activity outdoors such as cycling, running or hiking.
3. Improved overall health
Working out outdoors is a healthier alternative than indoors, especially if you are in a location that is surrounded by nature and is free from pollutants. An air purifier can only do so much.
Breathing in fresh, oxygen-filled air will make your heart, lungs, and other organs function more effectively.
4. More activity
Have you noticed how children become more active when they are in a playground compared with being at home? By exercising outdoors you, too, will be more active, even if you are not aware of it!
This can lead to more effective weight loss and improved fitness over time. So get out there as part of your “me time”, or make it part of your family’s routine to work out together.
Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.