Now that the weather is finally beginning to improve here in the UK it is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the simple beauty of exercising outdoors. While indoor workouts certainly have their perks during those winter months, there’s something special about getting outside and embracing nature as your fitness space. Whether it’s a run through a trail, a yoga session in the park or strength training on a beach, exercising in nature offers an abundance of physical, mental and emotional benefits that indoor settings just can't match.
1. Boosts Mental Well-Being
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of outdoor fitness is its positive impact on mental health. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower stress, anxiety and depression levels. The natural world has a calming effect and exercising outdoors allows you to disconnect from the pressures of daily life.
When you're running on a trail surrounded by trees or doing your squats in the garden, the combination of physical movement and the soothing sounds of nature helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone). Regular exposure to green spaces has even been linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
2. Vitamin D and Fresh Air
We all know how important it is to get enough Vitamin D, and spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to ensure you're getting your daily dose. Sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function and overall well-being. Plus, fresh air is naturally invigorating and can make you feel more energised and alive, especially if you've been stuck at your desk indoors for too long.
In contrast, indoor air quality - especially in gyms - can sometimes be less than optimal, with stuffy environments and poor ventilation. Outdoor air tends to be cleaner and more refreshing, providing a natural boost to your workout.
3. Engages More Muscles
Outdoor workouts are often more dynamic than those you perform in a gym. Navigating varied terrains - whether you're hiking up a hill, running on uneven surfaces or performing bodyweight exercises on a sandy beach - engages more muscles than a typical treadmill run or gym machine routine.
Nature forces you to use stabilising muscles that you might not work on a machine. For example, running on a trail can activate your core and lower body in ways a flat treadmill surface doesn't. The same is true of strength workouts in the fresh vs static gym machines. The unpredictable nature of the outdoors makes your body work harder, offering a more comprehensive workout.
4. Improves Creativity and Focus
Exercising in nature has been shown to boost creativity and improve cognitive function. Outdoor workouts, with their natural sights and sounds, help stimulate your brain and refresh your mental state. Research suggests that exposure to nature can enhance problem-solving skills and increase focus. It’s no wonder that many people report feeling more inspired or clear-headed after a hike or a walk.
If you’re the type of person who struggles to concentrate indoors, outdoor fitness might be just the solution. You’re not only giving your body a workout but your mind as well.
5. Increased Motivation and Variety
When you work out outdoors, you get to enjoy a change of scenery and the opportunity to mix up your routine. Outdoor environments are full of variety—from beaches to mountains, parks to forests and fields - each offering a unique setting for exercise. This variation can keep your workouts exciting and prevent them from feeling monotonous.
Moreover, being outdoors can help you stay motivated. The fresh air, sunshine and views provide natural rewards that make it easier to stick to your fitness routine. The experience of conquering a trail or watching a sunrise during your morning jog can give you a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to replicate in a gym. So take that mat outside and enjoy the greenery!
6. Burns More Calories
Outdoor workouts, especially those that involve hiking, trail running or other terrain-based activities, can help you burn more calories than an indoor workout. Uneven surfaces challenge your balance and coordination, forcing your body to work harder and engage additional muscles. The wind, temperature changes and other natural conditions can also make your body exert more energy than it would in a controlled gym environment.
Outdoor fitness isn’t just about getting your heart rate up - it’s about immersing yourself in the natural world and reaping the physical, mental and emotional rewards that come with it. From boosting mental clarity and creativity to engaging more muscles, exercising outdoors is a holistic approach to wellness that everyone should embrace.
So, grab your mat and weights, take your workout outdoors and remember that nature offers a workout experience like no other. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting out, nature is the ultimate fitness partner, ready to support and challenge you in ways you never thought possible.
Get outside, breathe in the fresh air and start reaping the benefits of exercising in nature today!
Any questions, please do get in touch.
Caroline x
