More and more people are recognising the benefits of exercising outside. There was a time when I worked in gyms when people would say they did not enjoy the environment. Reasons ranged from the atmosphere, cramped spaces, noise and cost. Some individuals find gyms to be extremely intimidating because of their perception of everyone being fitter or simply being overwhelmed by the machines and equipment.
When I first started working in the fitness industry back in the 90s the only people who exercised outside were runners. Not many adults cycled unless they were serious athletes. There was not the array of sportives or fun runs available we now have access to every weekend.
The great outdoors has now become the gym for many, whether they be walkers, runners, skaters, cyclists or enjoy outdoor circuits, boot camps or Yoga.
Outdoor exercise combines two health-enhancing activities: moving your body and getting outdoors. It makes you feel better and can be easily accessible. It allows you to explore new places and possibly meet new people. It is less intimidating, and in many cases you can wear regular clothing or cover up with a coat.
Here are some more benefits of outdoor activity
Improved Mood and Reduced Depression
Outdoor exercise is good for mental health. Moving outdoors has been shown to reduce anger and depression, and improve mood (Barton and Pretty, 2010). Exposure to sunlight enhances vitamin D production, which may be partially responsible for this mood-enhancing effect (Kerr et al., 2015). Low-intensity activities, like walking or gardening are effective, it does not have to be high intensity training.
It has been argued that connecting to nature can be linked to happiness and mental wellbeing. Spending time in nature releases hormones that relate to the pursuit of joy, connecting to calm and avoiding threats (University of East Anglia)
Forest Bathing has been reported to reduce stress. Yoshifumi Miyazaki, Chiba University in Japan, found that leisurely forest walks yield a 12.4 per cent decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, compared with urban walks. Participants in his studies have also anecdotally reported better moods and lower anxiety.
I have regular clients who attend my walks and outdoor fitness sessions. They are motivated to be out in all weathers because they know the adrenaline rush they get during and after a session feels more intense than doing an indoor workout.
Enhanced Self-esteem
Research shows that as little as five minutes of outdoor exercise can improve self-esteem (Barton and Pretty, 2010). Any outdoor location will do but being near greenery or water enhances this effect. The low to moderate intensity sessions show greater improvements in self-esteem than high-intensity outdoor exercise.
Low Cost
Gym membership costs can be a barrier to regular participation. Many outdoor activities can be accessed at a lower cost and in some cases free. Trainers who lead outdoor sessions often have to pay a license fee to use the green space, however, these fees are often cheaper than paying rent for a gym or hall space.
Ease of Access
The local environment can bring the workout area closer to home. Depending on the terrain sessions can be varied by making use of parks, woodland areas, hills, tracks and the beach. Shopping centers and industrial parks can make a fantastic workout space out of hours.
Using the natural local environment can reduce the need for equipment and brings us closer to nature.
Good for the Local Community
Using local areas and finishing in the coffee shop can enhance the income of small businesses. Occupied space is less likely to be vandalised and it encourages people to look after their community space. Exercising outdoors can help you feel grounded, deepen your connection to your environment and enhance your appreciation for the beauty around you.
We are interested in how many trainers have moved their training sessions to the great outdoors. Who is leading this trend? Are our clients demanding more outdoor sessions or are we the trainers being more creative and encouraging them outside?
Is your client group changing? Do you attract a different type of customer wanting outdoor sessions to the gym-based clients?
Are your teaching skills challenged in a different way?
Can you simply move your indoor workouts to the great outdoors?
Please share your thoughts and experiences below or #adlibtraining
I even found this on holiday in Mauritius
