Why it is better to exercise outside

MANILA, Philippines - The benefits of regular physical activity are hard to ignore. There is no doubt that exercising is one of the most effective way to have a healthy mind and body. The good news is, you do not have to go to the gym to achieve its benefits.  Aside from being fun, some studies suggest that exercising outdoors has more benefits rather than doing it indoors, and here are some of those.

It is much more cheap.
Unlike going to the gym and paying for the fee, the outdoor belongs to you, for FREE. There is no time limit and space limit. You also do not need any equipment because the outdoor is available anywhere you are.

More vigorous activities can be performed.
Unlike on the gym, the terrain outside is not flat. Therefore, you could do running on different slopes (run downhill) and you could flex your ankles more. Outdoor exercise tends to be more backbreaking. In studies comparing the exertion of running on a treadmill and the exertion of running outside, treadmill runners expended less energy to cover the same distance as those striding across the ground outside, primarily because indoor exercisers face no wind resistance or changes in terrain, no matter how subtle, New York Times said.

It can improve your body’s Vitamin content.
Because outdoor has large space, you could do strenuous activities more than what you could do indoors. A 2011 study found that people who do vigorous exercises have more amount of vitamins in their body. Furthermore, what best way to gather some Vitamin D than the morning sunlight?

It can lift up your mood.
The sprawling city lights and the greeneries that can be seen outside can lift up your mood. Previous reports said that people who exercise outside are more happy than those who exercise indoors. Dr. Jo Barton wrote on Healthy Parks Healthy People that on the healthy pathway people tend to be active, connected to others and society, engage with natural places, and eat healthy foods. As a result, they tend to have higher self-esteem and better mood.

It may be your natural energy booster.
Exercising outdoors can give you an instant energy without the caffeine. A 2009 study from the University of Rochester found that just 20 minutes outside can hype you up as much as a cup of coffee. The fresh air that you are exposed to outside can invigorate your body and senses, giving you that rush to pump up your day.

It will help you stick to the habit.
A 2011 survey found that exercising outdoors is a reinforcing behavior. Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy. Therefore, people who exercise outside are more likely to repeat doing outdoor exercises because of the emotional and mental improvement that they get.