Why Outdoor Workouts Might Be Better for You
Ever wondered if working out outdoors could be more beneficial than your regular gym routine? Research suggests it might be. A study revealed that running, rucking, or walking on rough and uneven terrain can burn up to 28% more calories compared to doing the same activities on roads or treadmills. The reason? Trails often have steeper climbs, descents, and various obstacles, providing a more challenging workout.
Boost Your Brain with Outdoor Exercise
When you run on a treadmill, you set your speed and zone out, making it a simple, repetitive activity. In contrast, exercising outdoors engages your brain in complex ways. Picture this: running through the Mojave Desert trails. Each step requires careful placement to navigate rocky ground, pivot on loose dirt, avoid cacti, and manage tiny cliffs. You also need to adjust your pace based on weather conditions and terrain gradients.
This blend of mental and physical effort can help protect your brain from aging and mental decline. According to researchers at the University of Southern California, combining physical activity with cognitive challenges has a significantly beneficial effect on brain health. As lead researcher David Raichlen explains, “When you combine physical acts with cognitive acts, it tends to have a really beneficial effect on the brain.”
Supercharge Your Mental Health with Nature
Exercise, in general, is great for combating anxiety and depression. However, scientists in the UK analyzed 26 studies comparing exercise in natural environments to urban settings and found that exercising outdoors is more beneficial for mental health. Outdoor physical activity improves various psychological outcomes more effectively than exercising in urban or indoor environments.
Other research supports the idea that spending time in nature enhances physical and mental health, as well as attention and focus. Even a brief 20-minute outdoor workout can make a difference.
Takeaway: Balance Indoor and Outdoor Workouts
The key takeaway isn’t to abandon your gym sessions but to complement them with outdoor workouts. Continue to hit the weight rack hard, but also take some of your exercises into the great outdoors. The combination of both can maximize your physical and mental benefits.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Leave a comment below and share how outdoor exercise has impacted your fitness journey.
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