How many of us have taken a long walk outdoors, and felt soothed by the crisp smell of fresh air and the sounds of nature? Or have you ever been moved by the beauty of early morning sunrise? Me, I am totally addicted to the outdoors! And, I happen to be a “Sunrise Chaser” – I often pull over on the side of the road and just enjoy the moment – and take pictures. That is one of my daily happy highlights – Every day has its own unique color and beauty.
Studies by Science Daily found that most trials showed an improvement in mental well-being: compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity.
Benefits of outdoor exercise:
Weight Loss – A study from California Pacific Orthopedic and Sports Medicine released a study that showed that outdoor exercisers tend to have success with body fat loss. On average, people who participated in the study lost more than 7 pounds and more than 6 percent of body fat in two months. Because your internal body temperature rises, due to obstacles, inclines and declines that change throughout the course of outdoor exercise can help you lose weight and body fat faster than the environment of a flat, controlled environment. Benefits include:
-Vitamin D – Sunlight is a primary source!
-You can work out anywhere (park, playground).
-Change of scenery – people who stop exercising because of boredom or monotony of indoor workouts can benefit from outdoor exercise.
-Enjoy nature, the fresh air, notice changing of seasons.
-Generally more challenging and you expend more calories.
-Being in the great outdoors is motivating, improves your self-esteem and substantially increases mood level.
-Greater feeling of accomplishment running or exercising outside.
-You can take a new route and see something new every day.
-Travel? – A study published in 1996 in Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine revealed that those who participated in outdoor exercise experienced quicker relief of jet lag symptoms.
With summer right around the corner, now’s a perfect time to join the outdoor fun and get bikini fit ready. At Argyle Adventure Boot Camp, we focus on providing a wide variety of exercise options, with early morning fresh air and sounds of nature offering motivation you won’t find at the gym. The early morning workouts – held rain or shine at 5:30 am – a later session starts at 8:30 a.m.
Daily workouts steadily increase in intensity, with the goals of building muscle, increasing endurance and improving cardiovascular strength. Intensity can be adjusted for all fitness levels. One advantage to working out in the morning is that it puts your fitness program on the front burner – beginning your day with a focus on fitness may help you make better food and activity choices throughout the day.
No matter what form of exercise you prefer, outdoor exercise provides multiple benefits above indoor workouts. Always remember to take water with you to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise. And remember, the best time of day to exercise is the time that works best for you!
There is something of the marvelous in all things of nature. –Aristotle
Norma Zitterkopf is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach and owner of Argyle Adventure Boot Camp, a consultant with Isagenix International. For more information visit www.ArgyleBootCamp.com. Call (214) 729-0001.
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