Let’s face it, any decision to work out, whether it be indoors or outdoors, is great. Getting more movement and activity into your day is usually always a plus for your overall health. But when deciding whether to take your fitness indoors or outdoors this week, consider three benefits of outdoor fitness:
Benefit One: Vitamin D. If you don’t take Vitamin D as a daily supplement, another way to get it is through your body’s interaction with the sun’s rays. Vitamin D benefits the body by helping it absorb certain minerals like calcium. Of course, you will need to wear sunscreen when outdoors to ensure you do not get sunburned.
Benefit Two: Open Your Peripheral Vision. For those of you in front of the computer screen for most of the day, your eyes are only gazing about one foot ahead of you. When you choose an outdoor workout, you’re giving yourself the option to look farther and wider. Imagine looking far into a forest like Muir Woods, or maybe you’re looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. Either way, seeing as far as you can and opening your peripheral vision can be a very healthy option for your eyes.
Benefit Three: Fresh Air. When you choose to exercise outside, especially if it’s at a park or a beach away from cars and freeways (like Ocean Beach), you will most likely be breathing in amazing fresh air. This is so healthy for your lungs and your mind. Give your brain the oxygen it deserves by working out in the great outdoors.
Lastly, consider these safety tips that Get into Shape Fitness LLC uses when choosing which parks to take their clients:
- A park with a restroom and a parking lot.
- A park with a number of people.
- A park with lights that come on at night, should you work out when the sun goes down.
- A park that doesn’t have too many dogs.
Thank you for reading, see you in the great outdoors!