Why I Love The Benefits Of Outdoor Exercise
March 26, 2021
As many of you in the PWR Community know, strength training is my favorite type of training, but when I can, I love to get outdoors to experience the beauty of nature.
Before I begin to tell you why I can’t stress enough the importance of finding an exercise style YOU love! When you choose the exercise that fits into your own life, you’ll find it easier to keep up your healthy lifestyle and exercise will become part of your daily practice.
The benefits of outdoor exercise for your mind and body
One reason I love doing exercise outside is that once you get going, it can be easy to forget that you are actually exercising — you can simply focus on enjoying time in nature!
I’m blessed to live in an area where I have access to amazing hikes within a short 15-minute drive, so if I have the time I can get out into nature for an hour or so. I truly believe that being in nature is healing, the fresh air helps to calm and refresh your mind. Nature is powerful. It can inspire you with its beauty and soothe you with its peacefulness and serenity.
While I might try to hike for 40 minutes or an hour — or if I’m really lucky, I’ll have a whole day to go on a hike with my husband and son. However, you don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the benefits of being out in nature.
A short 10-minute walk can have so many physical and mental benefits. Even just sitting on some grass outside, or under a tree while you stretch and move your body can benefit you!
Bring mindfulness to outdoor exercise
Many of you know that I love a motivating workout playlist, but when I exercise outside I don’t take headphones. Instead, I pay attention to the sounds of nature — birds singing, the sound of the wind in the leaves. Being completely present is a way to take your mindfulness practice outdoors, and maximize the benefits you get from being immersed in nature.
Make outdoor exercise into a gratitude practice
If you are well enough to move your body and have access to nature — whether it is a majestic mountain range or just a pot plant growing on your balcony — take a moment to be grateful for this.
It’s easy to focus on the negative things in our lives, especially when times are tough. I know that things are hard sometimes, and that’s okay. But alongside every hardship you may experience in your life, you can find pockets of beauty in nature, in the people you share your life with, and even in your own body.
Fitness is one way that you can magnify gratitude for the things that you DO have in your life. Getting outdoors and moving your body can help to shift your perspective.
Get outdoors and try a new form of exercise
If you haven’t tried many different forms of exercise, I encourage you to get out there and give a few a try! Not everyone likes high-intensity training, and that’s okay — try lifting weights, riding a bike, or doing a yoga class. Perhaps you’ll be inspired by this article to go for a walk or plan a hike on the weekend.
No matter who you are, or where you are in your life right now, you can benefit from getting outdoors and experiencing the power of nature.
I’m Kelsey Wells, creator of the PWR programs and Redefine Fitness. I’ve been a certified personal trainer since 2016, am also certified in pre and postnatal fitness, and I want all women to feel self-acceptance and empowerment with my strength training programs.
* Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Sweat assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
Fitness