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Benefits of Doing Outdoor Activities & Fitness Workouts in Nature

Are you tired of going to the gym and working out indoors? Have you ever thought about taking your workout routine outside? In recent years, outdoor fitness classes have become increasingly popular for a good reason. They provide a change of scenery from the four walls of a gym and offer numerous benefits for both the mind and body.

As someone who used to dread exercising, I can confidently say that outdoor workouts have changed my perspective on fitness. They have increased my motivation and energy levels and improved my mental well-being.

In this article, I'll discuss the advantages of working out outside and share my experience doing outdoor fitness sessions with Be Military Fit.

1. Boosts Your Mental Health and Reduces Stress

In today's hectic way of life, where stress feels almost like a constant companion, finding an effective way to manage it has become crucial. For me, the turning point came when I started exercising outdoors.

There's something about being surrounded by nature, feeling the fresh air against your skin, and hearing the peaceful sounds of the environment that instantly soothes the mind. Scientific studies confirm this, showing that outdoor activities can dramatically lower cortisol levels—a stress hormone—and improve mental health.

Engaging in outdoor fitness distracts me from daily stressors and helps improve my mood and overall health. The natural setting is a calm backdrop, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like self-care. Since making this shift, I've noticed a marked improvement in my anxiety levels and a more positive outlook on life.

This is a friendly reminder that even small changes can significantly impact our mental health. I've found that working out in my local park and hiking places near Birmingham at the weekend have been great escapes for me. They allow me to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with myself.

2. Increases Your Vitamin D Intake

Exercising outdoors is a silent hero for boosting your Vitamin D intake. Unlike indoor environments, where sunlight is scarce, outdoor workouts expose you to the benefits of natural sunlight.

This is a critical factor in Vitamin D synthesis. I barely saw daylight before doing my fitness sessions outside due to long hours working from home. However, after making the switch, I noticed a significant difference. My general health improved, and I often sleep better on the nights when I’ve been most active outdoors and feel more energised throughout the day.

The ‘sunshine vitamin’ is critical for immune function, bone health, and mood regulation. If, like me, you live in the United Kingdom, where grey skies can sometimes limit sunlight exposure and contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), engaging in outdoor fitness activities will make all the difference.

It's a simple yet effective way to ensure your body gets the Vitamin D it needs to function optimally. Moreover, it's a bonus during your workout session, making it feel like you're hitting two birds with one stone.

3. Provides You With a Variety of Workouts

Taking your workouts outdoors introduces variety and functionality to your exercise routine that is unmatched by indoor gyms. Unlike the predictable machines and limited gym space, the outdoors offers an ever-changing environment that can challenge your body in new and exciting ways.

You can use park benches for dips and incline press-ups, run on uneven terrains, or incorporate natural elements like hills for added resistance. This diversity prevents boredom and improves physical fitness by engaging different muscle groups more effectively than repetitive gym exercises.

The unpredictability of outdoor conditions, such as a gentle breeze or the natural terrain, adds an extra layer of challenge that makes your body work harder and adapt in new ways. This may result in visible gains in strength, flexibility, and stamina, making outdoor fitness a fun and effective way to stay in shape.

Plus, there’s something genuinely rewarding about mastering a workout using only your body weight and the natural features around you.

4. Increases Your Motivation and Enjoyment

Exercising outdoors has many benefits, including a significant increase in motivation and enjoyment. For me, swapping the repetitive routine of the gym for the lush scenery of the great outdoors has been a game-changer.

A unique energy and vitality comes from working out in the fresh air. It invigorates your senses and makes the workout feel less taxing. I now look forward to hiking, running, and open-air yoga sessions with a newfound zest, eager to explore new locations and challenge myself with different outdoor activities.

The visual stimuli, from grassy green parks to urban landscapes, add excitement to my routine that indoor workouts cannot match. It's not just about the change of scenery; it's about how that scenery makes you feel more alive, more connected to your surroundings, and more engaged in physical activity.

This boost in motivation naturally leads to greater enjoyment. When you enjoy what you're doing, you're more likely to stick with it in the long term, and that has been precisely my experience with outdoor fitness. It has converted exercise from a chore into a genuinely enjoyable part of my daily routine.

5. Encourages You to Make Social Connections

One thing that I found pleasantly surprising about outdoor workouts was the chance to build social connections. Unlike the solo nature of gym sessions with headphones in and the world out, outdoor fitness naturally encourages friendship and interaction.

I recall my first group session in the local park, where I initially felt slightly apprehensive. However, the friendly faces quickly put me at ease, and we shared laughs over our mutual struggle against gravity. It wasn't long before these sessions became the highlight of my week, not just for the physical benefits but also for the sense of community they fostered, especially if I turned up with my blue Merle border collie.

Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal of health and fitness, added a rich layer of social interaction that I hadn't realised I was missing. Our encouragement and motivation were invaluable, turning the daunting into the achievable. Outdoor workouts provided me with a fitness regimen and a network of support and friendship, making the experience infinitely more rewarding.

For ideas on how to make exercise more enjoyable, there are sites like Live2BHealthy, which are a great resource to help you improve physical health and social engagement.

6. Costs You Less Than Indoor Workouts

Incorporating outdoor workouts into my fitness routine has been a cost-effective approach to staying healthy. It has saved me much money compared to maintaining a gym membership. Initially, I didn't realise the financial benefits of outdoor fitness, but they quickly became a significant factor in my continued preference for it.

Parks, hiking trails, and city streets provide accessible venues for various exercises, including jogging, cycling, bodyweight workouts, and outdoor yoga. Although I had to invest in quality outdoor gear, the cost was quickly offset by the absence of monthly gym fees, locked-in contracts, and the often-forgotten cost of commuting to a gym.

Furthermore, using the natural landscape for my workouts eliminated the need for expensive equipment or accessories, enhancing affordability. This shift to outdoor activities has benefited my physical and mental health and provided a more sustainable approach to maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle without straining my finances.

Review: My 'Be Military Fit' Outdoor Class Experience

As a final-year student, I have been sitting at my desk for the past six months with minimal exercise or exposure to daylight. Additionally, over the festive season, I indulged in occasional Netflix binges with a large bag of salted popcorn and a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Consequently, I have gained weight, and my favourite jeans have become uncomfortably snug. My Instagram feed is also filled with pictures of unhealthy food, which is a testament to my struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance and care for myself at this stressful time.

When Be Military Fit (previously British Military Fitness) invited me to participate in their gifted classes and The Major Series event in March, I initially hesitated. I was unsure if I had the time, given that my dissertation was due soon and I wasn't fit enough to handle military fitness. However, I decided to say 'yes' and seize the opportunity to get back into shape.

Be Military Fit is the UK's leading outdoor fitness program, run by ex-servicemen and women. Last night, I attended my first class conveniently located at my local park in the West Midlands. Although challenging but exhilarating, the session involved partner workouts, which motivated me to push myself harder to avoid letting my partner down. We did various exercises, such as push-ups, squats, star jumps, burpees, running, and competitive games.

The session lasted an hour, with a 5-minute warm-up, 50 minutes of cardio and strength training, and a 5-minute cooldown of stretches. The class was divided into blue, red, and green groups depending on our ability levels. I was in the blue group for beginners/average ability.

Although I found the first session challenging, seeing the actual results of people attending the classes for a few years was rewarding and inspiring. The instructors were lovely and encouraging, praising us for what we did well and demonstrating how to improve our techniques.

If you want to lose weight, get fit, make friends, and enjoy the great outdoors, I highly recommend trying out a BMF fitness class. The first session is free, and BMF also offers a 12-week nutrition program, which I recently joined. The program includes a nutrition guide, weekly motivational videos, and tips to stay on track.

I'm also excited about taking part in The Major Series mud run in March, which is a fun obstacle course suitable for beginners that raises funds for the Royal British Legion.

To conclude

Adopting outdoor workouts has been a truly positive experience for me. I've gained more than I initially expected, altering my approach to well-being and fitness. The benefits I've experienced include physical and mental health and a boost of vitamin D.

I've also gained variety in my workouts and connected with others socially. Of course, I appreciate how cost-effective this form of exercise is. My journey with outdoor fitness, including the Be Military Fit classes, has reinforced the importance of taking our workouts outside.

So, I highly recommend that anyone looking to revamp their fitness journey try outdoor workouts. You may find it as rewarding as I have. It’s a positive way to reset your body and overall health and fitness levels.

*SHOP THE POST

Spice up your outdoor workouts with the right gear! To conquer those trails comfortably, consider a moisture-wicking top that keeps you cool. For ultimate flexibility, pack a pair of quick-dry shorts or leggings that move with you. Hydration is vital outdoors, so invest in a durable water bottle you can easily refill. Don't forget SPF sun protection as well as a trendy hat or cap that shields your face and neck. These small additions can make a big difference in enjoying nature's gym.