Working out outside, even for a short period each day, has many positive effects on your physical and mental health that you might not always experience while exercising in a controlled environment, such as an indoor gym. In comparison to indoor training sessions, working out outside offers a plethora of benefits, both direct and indirect. But these days, a lot of people work out at gyms.
So, why is that? Are indoor track workouts just as good? We’ll have to talk about that. With that in mind, let’s see the different benefits and risks of indoor and outdoor workouts.
Benefits of Working Out Outdoors
There are several advantages to exercising outdoor bodyweight workout, also referred to as “green exercise,” beyond just improving your health. There are a number of advantages to exercising outside as opposed to in a controlled indoor environment, such as a gym or recreation center.
Much research has been done on the differences between exercising indoor track workouts and outside. Outdoor exercisers have reported many positive effects on quality of life, including improvements in mood and mental health, stronger social bonds, and a host of others. When the weather permits, working out outside is a wonderful way to escape the sweltering heat and darkness of the gym. Here are six advantages of exercising outdoor bodyweight workout.
Better Health Mentally and Emotionally
It is well-established that physical activity can alleviate symptoms of depression. One of the many benefits of exercise is the endorphins release, the body’s natural painkillers and feel-good hormones. Research shows that compared to sedentary adults, exercisers had a lower risk of depression.
In addition, a 2017 study indicated that compared to individuals who exercised indoors, those who used workout outdoor equipment reported far lower levels of anxiety that they experienced. Outdoor exercise was also able to predict whether or not participants will have less stress than inside exercise, according to the study.
Psychotherapists have long advised clients suffering from anxiety and despair to establish an exercise regimen. Results suggest that regular exercise, especially when combined with outdoor activities, may have an even greater impact on mental health issues, including despair and anxiety.
Regular Physical Activity
A regular workout program can be challenging to stick to. People who are just starting out in the fitness world often need help sticking to their exercise routines. Research shows that exercising regularly is difficult for many people for a variety of reasons, including those related to their bodies, minds, and environments.
People are more likely to maintain a fitness lifestyle if they use a fitness tracker and establish goals for themselves. To encourage people to prioritize exercise, it is necessary to find various ways to assist them stay on track with physical activity. People may find that exercising outside increases their motivation.
A clinical trial comparing indoor track workouts and outdoor training was conducted in 2015. The only difference between the two groups was the setting of their exercise sessions; one group worked out indoors and the other outside for 12 weeks. According to the results, a far higher incidence of exercise adherence was linked with outdoor bodyweight workout training compared to indoor training. Only in the outdoor group did the researchers observe a decline in depressive symptoms and an uptick in total physical activity.
Social Wellbeing
Participating in social wellness activities is a terrific way to meet new people and improve your social skills. People join fitness clubs and groups because they share a desire to live healthier lives and have more fun doing it. People are more inclined to exercise when they are outside, and they are more likely to continue exercising if they are part of a group.
The psychological and physiological advantages of exercise can be amplified when group workouts are held in natural settings. Due to the mood-boosting effects of being outdoors, individuals may feel compelled to engage in social interactions with others when exercising.
Managing and promoting mental health could be as simple as combining exercise, nature, and socializing. Incorporating all three elements together may enhance well-being even more since they each contribute to a more cheerful attitude.
Natural Therapy
Many people find that exercising outside is more enjoyable because it allows them to be one with nature. Spending time in nature has positive effects on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. One of the best ways to reap the rewards of exercise and the workout outdoor equipment simultaneously is to do it outside.
A 2019 study investigated the correlation between weekly outdoor time and self-reported health and happiness. People who spent at least 120 minutes outside the next week reported a greater likelihood of wellness and health compared to those who did not spend any time outdoors the previous week. Additionally, the study discovered that the total amount of 120 minutes had no effect, whether it was one 180-minute program or 20 minutes. Exercising in nature can have a multiplicative effect on the beneficial impact on our mental and emotional health.
Enjoyment
People often fail to maintain an exercise regimen because they find it unappealing. Jogging and cycling are two examples of cardiovascular exercise that some individuals enjoy, while others are more interested in strength training that involves lifting weights or other resistance exercises. A few people would rather do Pilates or boot camps in a group. People are more likely to stick with a workout routine if they try out different kinds until they find one they prefer.
Rather than focusing on the health benefits of exercise, one study indicated that highlighting the fun and enjoyment aspects of exercising is more effective at getting people to exercise. If people find that exercising is fun, they may be more inclined to do it on a regular basis. The research went on to say that getting out of the house and enjoying nature makes exercise more enjoyable by removing mental and emotional barriers.
Risks
When you work out outdoors, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. There’s nothing you can do about the sleet snow, rainfall, hail, frigid temperatures, or strong winds. You should always be ready for any kind of weather if you choose to exercise outdoors. This further implies that you are more likely to be exposed to air pollution and allergens if you reside in a city or other densely populated location.
Benefits of Indoor Workouts
Outdoor workout areas are only sometimes the best option when you reside in a state that regularly experiences severe weather. Exercising outside, whether for running or strength training, can be a real bummer when the weather turns nasty. There is some evidence that exercising indoor track workouts has a more optimal effect on depression relief.
Convenience
Exercise in the comfort of one’s own home is a lifesaver. You are exempt from driving or wearing appropriate clothing. You don’t need to change out of your pajamas to get good exercise. When life gets busy, it’s helpful to have a designated area at home where you may exercise in peace.
Flexibility
If you want to avoid conflicts with class or gym schedules, going out at home is a great option. The time and place of your workouts are entirely up to you. You can even modify your exercise routine to accommodate your busy schedule. You may find a variety of workout videos online that can help you build muscle, stretch more, or even raise your heart rate.
Committed
Keeping to your workout routine even when you can’t leave the house is possible with an indoor workout. Indoor track workouts exercises, such as strength training with body or hand weights, allow you to still receive your daily activity without missing a beat.
If you’re looking for free cardio or strength training videos online, there are plenty to choose from. Another option is to join a gym class with other people; this will force you to be accountable and keep you motivated. When you exercise with a group, you have each other’s backs and can push through tough times.
When time is an issue, home workouts are a great alternative to gym memberships and group classes. A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session or workouts using only your body weight are always an option. Because it is brief, you can fit a high-intensity interval training (HITT) session into your hectic schedule. Any quiet place, like your bedroom or in front of the TV, would suffice for these workouts.
Less Time Required
Squeezing in a workout is possible even if you’re bored with your routine or would rather be doing something else, like putting down your phone. If you want to get more out of your workouts and avoid boredom, try varying up your routine.
Risks
The typical monthly cost of a gym membership is between $40 and $50; however, this can vary greatly from one facility to another. The annual cost can reach about $800 when you include the cost of initiation.
Conclusion
So, where should you work out? Outdoors or indoors? Your needs will determine the best location; for example, a gym would be ideal if you are very sensitive to temperature and humidity. Hitting the outdoors for your workout is a win-win for your mental health and your wallet. The most critical thing is that you work out, regardless of the location.
