Australia is a great country to be active outdoors all year round. Embrace the changing seasons and dance in the rain if you need to!
- You Expend More Energy
What would you rather, a run on a treadmill or a run along the coastline? Studies now show that runners on a treadmill actually expend less energy than those running the same distance outdoors. Why? The smallest changes in terrain can make a big difference, running up hill, down hill, wind direction, unstable ground, all account for an increase in energy expenditure.
- It’s More Enjoyable
Finally a breath of fresh air and not the sweat of the person on the machine next to you in the gym! In fact, people have noted that it is a more enjoyable experience when they exercise outdoors. A recent study asked volunteers to take two walks, one either on a treadmill or on an indoor track, and the other outdoors. To no surprise to me, people preferred walking outside and even rated their mental health higher!
A recent review of 800 adults discovered that people who move outdoors have lower levels of confusion, anger, depression and tension when compared to indoor exercisers.
- You’re More Likely to Keep Up the Healthy Habit
Outdoor exercisers are also more likely to repeat their workout and maintain a high level of commitment because it is more enjoyable. It’s simple. If you love what you do, you’ll want to do it more often.
- It’s Cheaper Than the Gym
Even if you have to buy a bottle of sun-cream, a new pair of shoes, or a rain jacket, it is still less than a gym membership. You could save yourself a couple of hundred dollars whilst participating in exercise you like more!
- It Adds Variety
Move your run to a trail where you have to focus on where you place your foot, go rock climbing, and feel the strength of your body pull you up, join a team sport, and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Even doing a regular workout like you would inside, but outdoors can spice things up.