A British study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology concludes:
“Just 5 minutes of exercise outdoors can elevate your mood and self-esteem. The combination of fresh-air, sunlight, and beautiful surroundings stimulates the senses and creates a felt state of well-being. Combined with the physical and mental benefits of exercise the outdoors is the perfect place to get healthy and fit.”
Other studies have shown that runners and cyclists exercising outdoors report a higher level of perceived exertion and increased satisfaction from the workout than those training indoors. Runners and cyclists also go faster and exert more propulsive force respectively when outdoors.
A few ways to get active outdoors:
Go for a walk or hike Bike riding Pick up a sport: tennis, golf, soccer, softball Throw around a football, baseball, or Frisbee Gardening Wash the car Check out a new park Walk a dog Play with your children
