When it comes to exercise, many people head straight to
the gym, preferring to work their muscles on a treadmill or elliptical machine.
While gyms are certainly useful and can give an athlete a head start on their
fitness goals, nothing quite beats the benefits of nature. For those looking to
improve their physical fitness, outdoor recreation can help boost both physical
and emotional fitness and health, while also transforming exercise from a dull
routine into a fun adventure. Here are five reasons everyone should head
outside.
Improve Physique
Outdoor recreation can often be physically demanding, but
the sports work different muscles than those static machines at the gym.
Instead of doing countless repetitions on a weight machine, try canoeing or go
fishing with a friend. The motions of the sports work the arm and core
stabilizer muscles in a different way, boosting the effectiveness of a gym
workout and improving muscle tone and strength. Best of all, because the
movements come with a healthy dose of fun, it won't feel like exercise!
Engage With Others
Working out in a gym is often a solitary activity.
Headphones and televisions often keep people from interacting or conversing as
they work out. Outside, whether it's on a hiking trail or at a golf course,
people can talk to each other, turning a solitary activity into a social
outing. Once the conversations start, many people find they have more in common
with their fellow participants than they expected, resulting in new friendships
and new connections.
Unplug From the Daily Grind
Technology is everywhere in daily life. At work, many
tasks are completed on a computer, and at home, countless hours are devoted to
the television. Heading outside for a walk or sitting in a park gives people
the opportunity to unplug and relax. Rather than focusing on a screen,
individuals can focus on watching the clouds or observe the way the leaves blow
in the wind. Disconnecting from technology gives the mind a chance to rest and
reset, reducing anxiety and stress associated with an on-demand society.
Better Sleep and Improved Focus
Anyone who is familiar with spending hours outside in the
sun knows that at the end of the day, their body is tired. Outdoor recreation
changes up the way the body moves, exercising new muscles and stimulating the
mind. Physical activity helps the body relax and makes it easier to fall asleep
and stay asleep throughout the night. Well-rested individuals are better
prepared to focus the next day and often see an improvement in the quality of
their work.
Develop New Hobbies
Getting outside is a great way to discover new passions
and hobbies. Go to a new place, hike a new trail, or play a new sport. Not only
will the new experiences help cultivate a passion for the environment, but it
will also give individuals an outlet outside of their usual hobbies.
Instead of heading to the gym for a solitary workout
session, head outside, take a walk in nature, and breathe the fresh air!
Author: Antoinette Ayana
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