
Are you getting bored of your usual gym routine? Why not take your workouts outside and soak up some natural goodness while sweating it out! With the pandemic still limiting our choices for indoor activities, outdoor workouts have become a popular way to stay healthy and active. In this blog post, we will show you how to maximize the physical benefits of nature while enjoying an invigorating workout. So grab your running shoes, water bottle, and let’s explore how nature can be your ultimate fitness partner!
What are the physical benefits of nature?
Outdoor workouts offer a wide range of physical benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and stronger muscles. Here are five of the biggest benefits:
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health
One of the most well-known benefits of outdoor workouts is their ability to improve your cardiovascular health. A study published in The American Journal of Cardiology found thatParticipants who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise (defined as working at 60% or more of your maximum heart rate) had a 29% lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease than those who didn’t exercise. In addition, another study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that people who exercised outside had better blood pressure readings than those who exercised indoors.
2. Increased Muscle Mass
Studies have shown that regular outdoor workouts can help you build muscle mass. One study published in the European Journalof Applied Physiologyfound that participants who walked for an hour three times per week increased their strength and muscle mass by 28%. Additionally, a studypublished in The American Journalof Physical Education revealed that high school studentswho participated in vigorous physical activity (defined as working up a sweat for at least 30 minutes) were almost 50% less likely to become overweight or obese over the course of four years than students who did not participate in any physical activity.
3. Enhanced Brain Functioning
Regular outdoor workouts have been shown to improve brain functioning and cognitive abilities. One studypublished inThe Journalof Experimental Biologyrevealed
What are some ways to get started with outdoor workouts?
•Start by finding a nature spot that you enjoy and fit into your routine.
•Once you have found a location, make sure to read the local regulations before starting any outdoor workouts.
•When hiking or biking, always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from weather conditions.
•If you are using a treadmill or elliptical, be sure to use proper safety precautions, including checking the machine’s safety features and wearing eye protection.
•When working out in nature, make sure to take breaks often to enjoy the surroundings and recharge your energy.
Tips for choosing the right outdoor workout gear
There are many things to consider when choosing outdoor workout gear. Make sure your clothing is appropriate for the weather, and be aware of the environment around you.
When picking out clothing, think about the weather conditions. For example, if it’s cold outside, wear layers. If it’s hot outside, take off layers and don’t wear clothes that will make you sweat excessively or stick to your skin. Pay attention to the wind direction as well; if a strong wind is blowing, wear something light and airy or tie it around your waist.
Be aware of all the elements in your surroundings while exercising outdoors. Extremely bright sunlight can damage your eyesight while working out in direct sunlight; try to find an area with some shade. Find out what surfaces are safe to exercise on—a smooth rock surface may be better than a bumpy one that could cause injury—and avoid areas with hazardous cliffs or other obstacles. Know where wildlife is located before venturing into an area so you’re not startled by a sudden appearance or departure of any animals during your workout. Finally, be respectful of any landowner’s rights when exercising on their property by staying off designated trails and refraining from loud noises (like shouting).
How to make your outdoor workouts more challenging
Outdoor workouts offer a variety of benefits that can help you improve your health and fitness. Here are four tips to make your outdoor workouts more challenging:
1. Choose a strenuous activity. Doing an easy workout in nature will not provide the same physical benefits as a harder activity. When selecting an outdoor activity, choose something that is strenuous but not dangerous.
2. Incorporate interval training into your routine. Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity work with lower-intensity rest periods. This tactic increases cardiovascular fitness and stamina while also protecting muscle tissue from overuse injury.
3. Plan your route wisely. If possible, try to locate a scenic or challenging trail that you can follow for a longer period of time. This will provide more physical stimulation and help you reach your fitness goals faster!
4. Bring along supplies and equipment. Some things that you may want to bring along when exercising outdoors include water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes or boots.
How to stay safe while outdoors
There are many benefits to participating in physical activity outdoors, including improved mental well-being, better sleep habits, and increased energy levels. However, safety is always a top priority when engaging in outdoor activities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while outside:
1. Always use proper equipment. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing and gear for the weather conditions, including appropriate footwear and sunglasses. Even if it seems like the weather is cool enough to wear shorts, dress appropriately for the conditions – you never know when a thunderstorm will move in.
2. Avoid being alone. Stick with friends or family members if possible when out exploring nature – they can provide backup in case of an emergency. If you must be out by yourself, make sure to keep track of your whereabouts and stay alert for potential dangers.
3. Respect wildlife. Never approach or touch wild animals without permission from a responsible adult – even if the animal appears harmless. All animals – big and small – can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, so respect their space and do not feed them unless directed to do so by a park ranger or other authorized personnel.
4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. When hiking or biking outdoors, keep an eye out for hazards such as cliffs or drop-offs, roots that could lead to falls, broken glass or metal scattered throughout the area (from memorials or vandalism), and slippery surfaces that could
Conclusion
Outdoor workouts are one of the best ways to maximise the physical benefits of nature. Getting your heart rate up, breathing in fresh air, and working out in a natural environment can have a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing. If you’re looking to take your fitness routine outdoors, we’ve got a guide that will show you how to make the most of nature’s offerings. from hiking trails to mountain biking trails, we’ve got you covered!