AFF | Outdoor workouts have been growing in popularity in recent years. Partly as result of all the pandemic lockdowns, when gyms were closed and many people took to exercising outside. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, or if you only have a little free time, outside workouts, also known as green workouts, can improve our physical and mental health in several ways.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Outdoor Workouts
A Natural Mental Health Booster
Spending time outside, especially working out in Nature, tremendously improves mental health. Many studies prove that exercising outdoors can help you feel better mentally. Have you ever noticed how your mood almost instantly improves when you step outside or do any outdoor activity in the fresh air? As a keen gardener, this is certainly something I can vouch for.
Exercising outside boosts endorphins, a hormone that elevates mood naturally and makes you happier. Natural sunlight also has many benefits, such improving serotonin levels, and better Vitamin D intake (although don’t forget your sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy when you start out).
New Innovative Physical Challenges
Certain restrictions exist when you work out at home or in the gym. Does anyone else get bored using the same equipment and following the same fitness routines? Asking for me…
Working out in Nature provides different challenges, including adjusting to the weather, and getting used to varying terrains in your area. This allows your body and mind to work harder so you can exercise without injuries. Outdoor workouts are perfect if you love challenging yourself with new routines.
More Accessible
Not everyone can afford a gym membership, to set up a gym at home, or hire a certified personal trainer. But working on your fitness goals and keeping your body physically active doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Nature is accessible to everyone. You might have to walk a few minutes to find the nearest park or hiking spot, but that can also be part of your workout routine. Outdoor workouts allow you to exercise different parts of your body without the need for expensive gym equipment. The only piece of kit you should invest in from the get-go is a good pair of supportive running shoes, like my trusty Karrimors*. Something I realised very quickly after my first few runs! Tip: head to Sports Direct* as they’ll be cheaper than buying direct from the manufacturer. 🙂
Social Connections
You’ll often find others in your neighbourhood out jogging, running, walking their dogs, or exercising too. Outdoor workouts are one of the easiest ways to connect with other people and improve your workout experience. You might find a new running buddy to hold each other accountable, for example.
And exercising outdoors opens the door to finding new friends and adding a bit of fun to your regular workout routines and patterns.
A Phenomenal Stress Reliever
Many of us have struggled with work-related or family-related stress in recent years, but studies have shown exercising mindfully and being outside in Nature, even if only for a few minutes every day, can relieve stress and significantly improve mood.
Stress can be a reason for several physical and mental health issues, so eliminating it is key. Outdoor workouts allow you the literal breather you need to reduce those stress levels. Speaking from personal experience, not only did I get physically fitter while running the NHS Couch to 5K, I felt considerably calmer and more relaxed by the time I came home, ready to start work again.
It Makes Exercising Fun
Many people abandon their fitness goals because they get bored of doing the same daily routine. Mix and match your workouts to ensure you don’t lose interest. Shorter routines and outdoor activities allow you to find better ways to train your body. You no longer have to dread going to the gym and repeating the same exercises you’ve done for weeks.
Imagine finishing a long scenic bike ride or watching the sunset on the tallest hill in your area. Jogging through different terrains or in various weather conditions can also be a new challenge and keep your mind active. As long as you can vary your outdoor workout routine, you can have fun while keeping your fitness in check.
Reconnect with Nature
What better way to explore the extraordinary Nature in your area than by exercising outside? Whether you live in the country (as I do), by the sea, or in a city, outdoor workouts allow you discover and connect with the flora and fauna in your neighbourhood.
We had to get up very early to head to the airport recently, and as we were leaving at 02.00am, we found a hedgehog outside our front door! While I wouldn’t advocate getting up to go jogging at that time of the morning, it was still a reminder of the variety of Nature that’s right under our noses, if we only take the time to look around.
Tips for Your Outdoor Workouts
Exercising for even a few minutes every day brings so many benefits. And exercising outside takes that up several notches. You can easily vary your outdoor workout ideas to help with strength training, get your heart rate up, and experience a complete upper body and lower body workout.
Think of a park bench or wall, jump ropes*, running, yoga, even wild swimming if you have a safe body of water near you. Aim for a mix of cardio and core body strength training (not forgetting to warm up, cool down, and stay hydrated*), so you can get the best out of your outdoor workouts. If you’ve never exercised outside, do give it a try. Hand on heart, I’m sure the effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health will amaze you.
Have you every done any outdoor workouts? Where do you like to exercise? What’s your favourite workout for boosting your mood and de-stressing?
* This post contains affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer.
Outdoor workouts sound like such a lovely idea, I can see that there are a number of benefits that would make it an effective and enjoyable health activity. I will be doing more walks in my local park now that the weather is not so hot and I am so looking forward to it; I’ll have to look into doing more things outdoors after reading this!
Oh that’s great to hear, Molly, I’m so pleased – hope you enjoy getting back to your park walks!
I can tell the difference between my indoor and outdoor walks. I feel so much better when we do our evening walks outdoor versus exercising on our treadmill. Definitely agree with all these benefits.
Absolutely, I’d always choose running outside over an indoor treadmill too!
I don’t run but I love doing Yoga outside when it’s warm enough. I love being in the elements, feeling the sun and the wind and hearing the birds whilst I’m practicing 🙂
There’s nothing like it, is there? I feel I can breath more easily and it just feels “right” 🙂
Outdoor workouts have always been my go to exercise. I feel more invigorated and I am able to solve so many problems because I feel my brain is working so much better in the fresh air. All the benefits you mention are great.
Thank you, that’s a great point about feeling like your brain works better outside, mine does too.
I love doing outdoor workouts. There is just something so satisfying and rewarding about being in nature. I also find I work harder too being in the fresh air.
Absolutely – also I prefer not to be watched, so running works better for me.
As a runner myself, I can definitely agree with how much better it is to exercise outside. I run more for my mental health than physical health!
Well, I started the Couch to 5K to get physically fit, but you’re spot on, the mental and emotional benefits are why I keep going!
This is such an inspiring post! At the moment I don’t really workout – just long walks outside, which really boosts my mental health – but I might try running this autumn. Thank you so much for sharing x
Oh thank you so much, that’s very kind – and long walks are definitely exercise, so please don’t think they don’t count!
Your timing for writing this post is perfect. This is such a timely article as I have been personally trying to get outside more often and for longer. I love getting my morning vitamin D, and going for a long and refreshing walk to start the day. I find I also sleep so much better when I do an early morning walk and get some natural daylight right after waking up.
Ah, that’s very good to hear, Heidi, thank you! And yes, I quite agree, I find I sleep much better if I’ve managed to get outside for a while during the day.
These are great reasons to work out outdoors! There’s an outdoor workout station at one of the parks near my house and I love seeing how much use it gets. It’s such a great and affordable option and I see parents and their kids exercising together sometimes, which is fun.
That’s such a great idea, I wish more parks had this facility, what a wonderful way for families to exercise together!
I don’t exercise much lately, I got out of my routine and haven’t got my mojo back. But I’m walking with my dog and being out in nature really makes a difference in my days 🙂
But walking your dog definitely counts as exercise! Hope you get your mojo back soon.
I have done outdoor workouts years ago, but besides going for walks, I prefer to exercise in the comfort of my home. However, there is a park nearby where people regularly run on the trails, do group workouts, or play football. There is also an exercise area with different equipment.
I’m not sure about doing a group workout, I prefer exercising solo, but the park area sounds fun, particularly for families, as a previous commenter said.
I do get bored doing the same routine at the gym. So, I do walk around the park a few times a week. Nature does help boost your mood and relieve stress too.
Yes, this is exactly why I prefer exercising outdoors. That and not wanting too many other people to see my red faced efforts!
Love working out outdoors! I totally agree with everything in this article. My favorite way would have to be hiking being up in the mountains in the fresh air is unbeatable! Great post! 🙂
Thank you! So pleased you enjoyed it, although you’re braver than me to go hiking up a mountain!
I love working out outdoors. I love taking long walks with my mom and we see some of the people in our community, but also because I live in a wooded area, I occasionally see the odd woodland animal such as foxes or deer.
Oh wow, you are so lucky where you live! Your woodland walks sound wonderful.
I have finally stuck to an exercise routine of going to Pilates and looking to add an outdoor workout now, as I miss the days (during the pandemic) of daily forest walks and how it made me feel mentally. Thank you for this post!
Forest walks are wonderful, I’ve done a couple and they are such tranquil experiences. Thank you, glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
There is nothing I love more than a good walk or run with my music on! It’s so relaxing and can really, really help if I’m feeling flustered!
Ah, that’s wonderful to hear, so pleased you feel the same way about exercising outside!
There’s nothing that sets me up for a good day quite like an early morning hike. Being outside and pushing myself to get up the bluffs really is a great thing for my mental health!
You’re a braver woman than I am, but yes, I know what you mean – pushing through seems so much easier when you’re outside 🙂
Since Covid I have been exercising indoors. However, your post reminded me that outdoors can be fun too. I agree with all the points mentioned in this post. It’s really pleasant weather in New Delhi, India, right now. So I guess, I will definitely take time out to walk or jog outdoors. Thanks for inspiring me, Lisa.
That’s absolutely wonderful to hear, Ranjana, I’m so happy this post has reminded you how wonderful it is to be outside again, thank you.