Benefits of Exercising Outdoors

Benefits of Exercising Outdoors

With summer almost here, there is no better time to take the fitness aspect of your weight loss program outdoors. The gym is great when it’s too chilly outside to work out but when the sun is shining and the air is fresh, nothing can be more satisfying than exercising in Mother Nature. For those who are a bit leery of the outside world, here are a few reasons why exercising outdoors can revitalize your body and mind:

• Reality Escape – The average human tends to spend about 90 percent of time indoors—that is a lot of time! Life is short, so head outdoors to escape the daily realities of work or school while you exercise to lose weight—at least for your sanity’s sake.
• ‘Feel Good’ Endorphins – Exercising in the outdoors can help you experience higher levels of post-exercise endorphins. These endorphins produce a feeling of well being by functioning as natural pain relievers.
• Fresh Air – After spending most of your day in the office or at home, heading outside to work out in the fresh air can be invigorating. Fresh air has high negative-ion content—negative ions have been linked to increased alertness, improved well being and a lower resting heart rate. All of these are added benefits when you’re trying to lose weight.
• Vitamin D and a Tan –Vitamin D from the sun helps promote Calcium absorption in the body. Calcium is a nutrient that helps strengthen bones, reduce systemic inflammation and boosts the immune system. After Deerfield’s cold winter months, your Vitamin D levels have probably dropped so it’s time to work out in the sunshine to replenish your body’s levels while working on your tan.
• Fitness Variety – It’s easy to lose interest in your fitness routine if you’re constantly doing the same exercises at the gym. Exercising outdoors opens the door to countless varieties of outdoor fitness that can still help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Head to the Park for Fitness and Fun

Deerfield and Highland Park are home to several established parks and recreational facilities that offer outdoor athletic and fitness programs. Mixing up your exercise routine is easy to do when you open your mind to the possibilities of outdoor fitness. Deerfield Park District’s website lists numerous park-associated athletic and fitness programs that are offered to the public:

• Martial arts
• Tennis
• Outdoor Skating
• Swimming
• Outdoor Basketball
• Triathlons

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important aspects of your weight loss program but remember to have a little fun in Illinois and try exercising outside for a refreshing break from the indoors. It is important to always consult Dr. Melamed before partaking in any new physical fitness regimen.