Brenda Peralta is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and Sports Nutritionist with a Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics. With over 9 years of experience helping people reach their sports and nutrition goals, Brenda is also a Better Me Health Coach.
You may have seen more people starting to exercise outdoors. This is more than just a mere trend and research has shown that it’s more than just looking good for your social media posts.
Green exercise – combining physical activity with natural environments – promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Whether it’s a forest walk, a beach yoga session, or a run in your local park, being in nature during exercise offers benefits that go beyond traditional exercise. It gets us connected to the environment and makes us feel calm and refreshed, which indoor exercise can’t.
Here, we’ll look at green exercise, its benefits, and how you can start including it as a new form of exercise.
Green exercise is physical activity in natural environments. It combines the benefits of exercise with the therapy of being outdoors.
Whether you’re walking through a forest, cycling by a river, or doing yoga in a park, green exercise is a break from indoor exercise. The natural surroundings make exercise more enjoyable and effective.
Green exercise isn’t just about the activity itself, it’s about being in your environment. The birds chirping, the smell of fresh grass, and the sight of greenery can enhance your exercise. This type of exercise encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature, providing a holistic approach to fitness.
Outdoor exercise has advantages over indoor exercise. The fact that you can find different types of scenarios or terrains may help you create a more dynamic workout, work different muscles, and improve your balance.
In addition, sunlight boosts vitamin D levels, which is good for bone health and immune function (5). Being outdoors can improve your mood and reduce stress more than exercising indoors and it can break the monotony of a gym workout. The changing scenery keeps your mind engaged and motivated. Plus, who doesn’t like to get a good amount of fresh air? Not only can it make you feel revitalized, it may help improve lung function and endurance.
So by choosing green exercise, you’re looking after your body, in addition to your spirit and mind.
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Green exercise is a full body and mind workout. Physically, it improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility (1). Emotionally, it boosts mood and mental clarity. Regular outdoor exercise can give you more energy and a more positive outlook on life (3).
The natural elements in green exercise environments play a big part in these benefits. The calming effect of nature can reduce anxiety and help you relax (4). Exercise in nature can clear your mind and improve focus. This is why many choose green exercise as their preferred way to stay healthy.
Read more: Mindfulness Activities for Adults: A Roadmap to Inner Peace
Beyond physical and emotional benefits, green exercise also builds social connections. Group activities such as hiking, cycling, and outdoor yoga classes offer opportunities to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships. Exercise in nature can create a sense of community that encourages regular exercise.
Joining green exercise groups can also give you shared experiences and adventures. Being part of a community can boost your motivation and make exercise a social event (2). These interactions can give you a sense of belonging and overall well-being, which makes green exercise a holistic approach to fitness.
You don’t need any special equipment or expertise to start with green exercise. Walking, jogging, and cycling are activities for all fitness levels. Parks, trails, and beaches are perfect places to do these exercises and get outdoors while being active.
If you want variety, try kayaking, rock climbing, or outdoor team sports. These will give you a great workout and get you to explore new environments.
Remember, the key is to find activities you enjoy, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your green exercise routine.
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Motivation is the key to long-term success with green exercise. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated while you try:
Green exercise isn’t limited to traditional activities. Get creative with your green workouts by adding play and exploration. Try geocaching, an outdoor treasure-hunting activity, or participate in eco-friendly volunteer projects such as tree planting or beach clean-ups.
Consider adding nature-based mindfulness practices to your routine, such as forest bathing or walking meditation. These activities combine physical movement with mental relaxation, a holistic approach to health. By trying different ways to connect with nature, you’ll find many ways to do green exercise.
Read more: Gamify Exercise: How to Turn Exercise Into Play
Weather can be a big factor in outdoor exercise, but it doesn’t have to stop you. Adapt to different conditions. In colder months, layer up and do low-impact activities such as walking or snowshoeing. In warmer weather, do your workouts in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest times of the day.
Rain doesn’t have to be a problem either. With the right gear such as waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, you can exercise outdoors whatever the weather. Prepare for different conditions and you can do green exercise all year round.
Consistency is the key to getting the benefits of green exercise. To stay active all year round, plan seasonal activities that match the climate. In winter, try skiing or ice skating, and in summer, try water activities such as swimming or paddleboarding.
Invest in gear that can adapt to different weather conditions and enhance your experience. By being prepared and flexible, you can do green exercise whatever the season. This flexibility will keep you engaged and maintain the health benefits of outdoor exercise.
Green exercise is any physical activity that is performed in a natural environment. This includes walking, running, cycling, hiking, and swimming. Gardening, outdoor yoga, and team sports in parks also count. The beauty of green exercise is its flexibility. It can be tailored to your preferences and fitness level. Just choose activities you enjoy and that suit your fitness goals so you’ll stay engaged and motivated. The frequency of green exercise depends on your goals and lifestyle. For general health benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as recommended by experts. This can be broken down into sessions that match your schedule and preferences. Consistency is key, so find a routine that works for you. Balance green exercise with other forms of physical activity to stay generally fit. Listen to your body and adjust the frequency and intensity as needed to support your health. While any natural environment can support green exercise, some places offer more benefits. Forests and parks have scenery and fresh air, beaches and lakes have water activities, and mountains and hills have endurance and strength. Ultimately, the best place is one you enjoy and where you feel comfortable. Try different locations and see what inspires and motivates you. The variety of natural environments means you can tailor your green exercise to your personal preferences and goals.Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities are green exercise?
How often should I do green exercise?
Are there specific places for green exercise?
Green exercise gives you a fresh approach to health and fitness. By combining physical activity with nature, it can benefit your body, mind, and spirit. As you’ve seen, you can incorporate green exercise into your routine easily and flexibly.
Start small by trying local parks and trails and gradually add more activities as you go. Join a community of people who share your love for outdoor fitness. Remember, the goal is to make a sustainable lifestyle change that benefits you.
Get outside and feel the magic of green exercise. Enjoy nature and your fitness. By doing green exercise, you’re investing in both your health and the world around you.
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