Tips for Exercising Outdoors
Especially in summer and spring, lots of people opt for exercising outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and warm temperatures. In this article, we’ll give you some tips for doing this!
What are the benefits of exercising outdoors?
Whether it’s in the park, on the beach, or in the mountains, exercising outdoors is an excellent option. And even though you might not think so, you can also enjoy it in the winter. Here are some of the benefits of exercising outside of the gym:
1. Increase your level of endorphins
You might have heard of the “happiness hormones”, those that make an appearance when you do physical activity. When you’re outside and in contact with nature, the quantity of these neurotransmitters increases. That’s why you feel happier and in a better mood – perfect for getting your problems and stress out of the body!
2. You get your daily dose of vitamin D
Did you know that the main source of vitamin D is from the sun’s rays? Even when it’s cloudy or wintertime, the sun is there and it gives you the nutrients you need.
This vitamin is fundamental for the functioning of your immune and neuromuscular system. That means you catch fewer colds and enjoy better absorbance of calcium.
3. Outdoor exercise increases your metabolism
Running outside isn’t the same as doing it on a treadmill. And we don’t just mean that you don’t need a machine to do it. Outdoor exercise increases metabolism and helps us burn fat more easily, and it tones your muscles and improves your cardio-respiratory system.
4. You don’t need anything extra
Aside from comfortable shoes and appropriate workout clothes, you can exercise in the park or anywhere without special equipment. You don’t need to pay for a membership at a gym or get to certain classes on time. The outdoors is available 365 days a year!
Tips for exercising outdoors
If you’re convinced that exercising outdoors is the best option, then let’s look at some recommendations that will help you when you’re out there:
1. Don’t exercise at midday
Especially during the summer when the temperature is highest and the sun is strong. If it’s the only time you can train, then look for places close to water or in the shade.
2. Protect yourself from harsh weather
One of the main excuses for not exercising outdoors is the weather. But, this has a solution.
When it’s hot, you should wear a hat and sunglasses, as well as a sunscreen that’s sweatproof. It’s also a good idea to wear loose clothing or clothing that’s made from a special material for the heat.
And on cold days, we recommend that you dress in layers, not forgetting gloves and a wool hat. The best thing you can do when you start getting hot is to remove some of the clothes as you go. Just remember to put it back on when you finish exercising so you don’t get cold! And if it rains? There’s very good waterproof clothing that can be very useful.
3. Drink a lot of water
Getting overheated is easy when you’ve decided to exercise outdoors. That’s why you can’t forget a bottle of water! There are different types of containers you can hang at your waist to avoid carrying a bottle in your hand.
4. Choose a good place for exercising outdoors
It’s not the same to go out running in the city during the summer as it is by the ocean or in the mountains. It all depends on where you are and your personal taste.
If you’re on vacation, for example, you can take advantage of exercising outdoors instead of just lounging in the sun all day. For the rest of the year, we’d recommend staying away from busy or noisy places.
The important thing is that you feel good wherever you choose and that you vary the location so you don’t get bored. Download a list of your favorite songs for an extra special experience!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Castillero Mimesa, O. (2019). Endorfinas (nerurotransmisores): funciones y características. Psicología y Mente.