By Nate Henry, Director of Sports Performance, Orthopedic and Sports Enhancement Center
Everyone can agree that exercise, in general, has a host of physical and mental benefits. But exercising outdoors may provide additional benefits above and beyond that of indoor exercise. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, “exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, decreases in tension, confusion, and anger, and increased energy.” This study also reported that the participants were more apt to repeat the activity at a later date. There are many theories as to why a person would be more likely to repeat the activity if it takes place outdoors in nature, but the most likely answer is that people “connect” with the positive feeling of being outdoors rather than the feeling of the physical activity itself.
Aside from the greater “mood boost” of outdoor exercise, there are increased physical benefits as well. Running and walking outdoors utilizes more muscles, meaning the use of more energy/calories while participating. For example, the ground isn’t perfectly flat when walking or running outside, so you’ll engage different muscles to navigate the uneven terrain. And who can argue that a walk/jog/run outside is far more enjoyable and interesting than a treadmill or endless circles around a track. And we all know that exercise is most beneficial when we do it on a consistent, regular basis. So if exercise is more likely to be repeated when it occurs outside, that’s an added bonus.
There are some obvious obstacles to only exercising outdoors—primarily weather and equipment—so a combination of indoor activity (weight training, spin, aerobics class, etc.) with outside workouts may be the perfect solution to get the physical benefits we want and need. This could be a combination on the same day such as running outside followed by an indoor resistance/weight program or alternating activities with one day being outside, and the next day an inside program.
There are many options in the Bloomington/Normal area to keep you fit and active no matter what season it is. Whether it’s joining a commercial gym, participating in Crossfit, joining a running or cycling group, or signing up for a fitness boot camp—all can be incorporated into a plan that works for you. Sticking with a consistent exercise/activity program is the single most important thing to remaining fit. So if you struggle to stay committed to your gym membership, your basement treadmill, or a group exercise class, take it outside and try something in nature. You may find you enjoy it more and will therefore be more inclined to do it every day!
Nate Henry is the Director of Sports Performance at the Orthopedic & Sports Enhancement Center. For more information on programs for athletes of all ages and abilities, you may call 309-663-9300 or visit them online at www.sportsenhancement.net. They are located at 2406 East Empire in Bloomington.