40. "Exercising Outdoors: Embracing Nature for Fun and Fitness"

Hey there, dear friend! It's Mike again. Thank you for taking the time to read my last blog post on “The Role of Sleep in Exercise and Recovery: How Rest Supports Your Fitness Goals.” I'm excited to be back, and today I'll be sharing an exploration into "Exercising Outdoors: Embracing Nature for Fun and Fitness." Your insights are always valued, so please share what activity do you prefer more: Inside or outside!

 When we are starting at the beginning of this fitness journey, it is common to think about “indoor exercise,” for example: Strength training in a gym, CrossFit, or group classes. However, an unexpected activity is exercising outdoors. It is unusual for a few people, but it can incorporate us in the exercise and bring us a lot of benefits.

 

The first benefit is the release of different neurotransmitters in our brains, especially when we are surrounded by trees, grass, and plants. Our bodies produce dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Obviously, during indoor exercise, we experience the same benefits, although being outside could provide a better experience for people who may have depression or anxiety.

The second advantage is accessibility. Indoor exercise often requires additional expenses such as facility fees, locker rentals, and personal coaching. On the other hand, parks are usually free for everyone. They can contain areas for running, walking, cycling, strength training, stretching, and more activities to do in the fresh air.

The third benefit is the variety of activities available. You can engage in traditional activities like running in a park, which feels more natural and provides a better view of nature, reconnecting us to a more traditional way of life without excessive sedentary habits. Another option is traditional gym equipment. Some people find doing the same exercises in the gym boring, but if these individuals change their strength training routine to a circuit training format, they tend to be happier and enjoy their workouts more.

The last advantage is the potential for building social connections. In a traditional gym, you might have a gym bro, but often, you are limited to lifting weights together. In an outdoor park, you can make a wider variety of friends. I remember a coach who conducted numerous classes for people of all kinds every day in a park in Mexico. He combined different activities, including yoga, CrossFit, strength training, cardio, running, and more. This diversity in group activities fosters a sense of community and keeps workouts interesting.

Therefore, both indoor and outdoor exercise have their merits and can help you maintain good physical shape. Regardless of your favorite activity, you can allocate time for each every month and enjoy all the benefits. Remember to use sun protection, stay hydrated, and wear appropriate clothing to prevent any problems during your outdoor exercises.