The Benefits of Green Exercise

Now that summer is here, there’s no better way to improve your fitness than to exercise in the great outdoors. Whether you’re trail running, hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking, just getting outside and interacting with nature will leave you feeling refreshed, re-energized, and focused.

Connecting with nature is paramount to our overall health and well-being. In fact, based on recent studies that show we possess an inherent attraction toward nature, city planners are now putting more emphasis on creating functional green spaces.

Researchers hypothesize that, because our hunter-gatherer ancestors existed for thousands of years in outdoor environments, we present-day humans share an innate affiliation with nature. The problem is that we now spend less time outdoors interacting with the natural world even though our brains are hardwired for it. Outdoor workouts allow us to reconnect with nature while providing numerous benefits.

Stress Reduction and Improved Mindset

Green exercise refers to physical activity that takes place outdoors in natural environments. Studies have shown that it contributes to decreased tension, confusion, and anger. Even looking at green space can decrease the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenalin.

Exposure to natural sunlight combined with physical activity is thought to increase serotonin levels in our bodies, which can improve feelings of well-being and happiness. Serotonin is a mood-enhancing chemical, and a deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

As our world becomes busier, we typically experience more stress and have less time available for physical activity. In 2013, Canadians aged 15 and older described most of their days as being “extremely stressful.” Dedicating time each week to exercising outdoors will alleviate stress on busy days and actually improve mental well-being and self-esteem, and may even help fight depression.

Enhanced Mental Focus and Commitment To Exercising

The environment constantly changes when we exercise outdoors; weather, temperature, and terrain are all factors out of our control. Our minds require a great deal of mental focus to adjust to these subtle changes. As a result, we receive a temporary break from daily stressors, which can improve our ability to focus on day-to-day tasks.

Studies reveal that those who incorporate outdoor exercise into their fitness regimen have better adherence to their exercise programs. The sights, sounds, and varying terrain associated with outdoor training cannot be replicated in a gym.

Natural landscapes simply provide us with more interesting things to view. The visual distraction decreases our rate of perceived exertion allowing us to train harder and for longer periods of time. Completing a long and challenging hike, trail run, or bike ride has an addictive quality that leaves us craving more!

Improved Exercise and Training Recovery

Structured physical activity in the gym is important and has a positive impact on our daily performance. Those who exercise regularly in a gym know the importance of setting goals and adhering to a strict workout regimen.

Spending too much time indoors (even exercising) can become tiring. Outdoor workouts and activities are a great supplement and do not need to be strenuous. Low intensity exercises such as walking can be a powerful tool for recovery from intense, structured gym workouts. They increase blood flow to trained muscles and help deliver oxygen and nutrients.

If you are growing bored with your exercise routine, try incorporating one or two days of outdoor exercise and give yourself the freedom to engage in more varied, exciting movements out in nature. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight will leave you feeling refreshed.

Boosted Levels of VITAMIN D

For most of us, the majority of our time is spent indoors. Combined with the fact that Canada is situated so far north, this means our sun exposure is limited during certain times of the year. Outdoor training in the summer months will help ensure we are receiving adequate levels of “the sunshine vitamin.”

When exposed to UVB rays from the sun, our bodies naturally convert cholesterol in our skin to vitamin D3. Health Canada suggests the recommended dietary allowance per day for adults is 600 IU. Deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to increased risk of a host of chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and some cancers.

In the summer months, our skin only requires a few minutes of daily sun exposure in order to maintain adequate levels. There are many factors that influence the exact exposure needed, such as ethnicity, amount of skin exposed, age, and the UV index.

Incorporates Different Muscle Groups

Outdoor sports and activity utilize different muscle groups than structured indoor workouts. For example, trail running and hiking are more difficult than exercising on a treadmill. The uneven terrain requires more lateral movements and the activation of stabilizer muscles throughout our ankles, knees, and core.

Mountain biking requires far more balance and coordination than a stationary or recumbent bike. Additional upper-body strength is also required for control and quick movements.

Fun and Variation With Your Workout