Spring has finally come to London and over the last week I have been enjoying some great outdoor fitness training sessions (finally without the rain and snow). For me, nothing beats getting out in the fresh air and completing a challenging workout when the sun is out, the claustrophobic gym environment does not even come close!!
Thought I would use today's blog post to outline some of the reasons why I think outdoor fitness training is such a winner;
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 1 - Escape the Indoors
Research suggests that most of us spend 90% of our time indoors which is a pretty alarming. The human body and mind was never designed to spend 90% of its time secluded from the outdoor world, it is not right.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 2 - Higher Levels of Post Exercise Endorphins
People who train outdoors experience higher levels of post exercise endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous opioid compunds that are produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during exercise. They act as natural pain-relievers and produce a feeling of well being. The name endorphin derives from the words 'endogenous' and 'morphine' i.e a morphine like substance originating from within the body. Training outdoors has been associated with higher levels of these 'feel good' chemicals being produced in the body.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 3 - Invigorating
Fresh air is refreshing and invigorating. This is due in large to the rich negative ion content of fresh air. Negative ions have been linked to an improved sense of well being, increased alertness, decreased anxiety and a lower resting heart rate.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 4 - Boosts Serotonin Levels
Exposure to the outdoors helps boost serotonin levels. Serotonin helps you feel calm, alert and capable
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 5 - Increase in Vitamin D Levels
Sunlight helps supply the body with Vitamin D, a 'superstar' nutrient which helps promote the absorption of calcium, provides strength to bones, reduces systemic inflammation and boosts the immune system. Sadly many of us, particularly in cooler climates fail to get enough sunlight and thus synthesise enough of this great vitamin.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 6 - Exercise Variety
Outdoor training allows you to perfrom exercise routines which are simply not possible in most gyms. Examples would include sprint training, multi-directional running and throwing.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 7 - Get a Tan
Ok, so this is probably a bit optimistic in March, but you know where I am going with this, everyone loves a tan!!
There you go, 7 reasons why you should ditch the gym and get outdoors for your fitness sessions. What are you waiting for?
Thought I would use today's blog post to outline some of the reasons why I think outdoor fitness training is such a winner;
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 1 - Escape the Indoors
Research suggests that most of us spend 90% of our time indoors which is a pretty alarming. The human body and mind was never designed to spend 90% of its time secluded from the outdoor world, it is not right.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 2 - Higher Levels of Post Exercise Endorphins
People who train outdoors experience higher levels of post exercise endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous opioid compunds that are produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during exercise. They act as natural pain-relievers and produce a feeling of well being. The name endorphin derives from the words 'endogenous' and 'morphine' i.e a morphine like substance originating from within the body. Training outdoors has been associated with higher levels of these 'feel good' chemicals being produced in the body.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 3 - Invigorating
Fresh air is refreshing and invigorating. This is due in large to the rich negative ion content of fresh air. Negative ions have been linked to an improved sense of well being, increased alertness, decreased anxiety and a lower resting heart rate.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 4 - Boosts Serotonin Levels
Exposure to the outdoors helps boost serotonin levels. Serotonin helps you feel calm, alert and capable
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 5 - Increase in Vitamin D Levels
Sunlight helps supply the body with Vitamin D, a 'superstar' nutrient which helps promote the absorption of calcium, provides strength to bones, reduces systemic inflammation and boosts the immune system. Sadly many of us, particularly in cooler climates fail to get enough sunlight and thus synthesise enough of this great vitamin.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 6 - Exercise Variety
Outdoor training allows you to perfrom exercise routines which are simply not possible in most gyms. Examples would include sprint training, multi-directional running and throwing.
Outdoor Fitness Benefit 7 - Get a Tan
Ok, so this is probably a bit optimistic in March, but you know where I am going with this, everyone loves a tan!!
There you go, 7 reasons why you should ditch the gym and get outdoors for your fitness sessions. What are you waiting for?
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