Let’s Go Out!

As much as possible, I train outdoors. Not everything can be tackled in the park or out on a trail, but to me, the great outdoors is my gym.

There are a few reasons for this. Gyms are not always the best environment to train in and can be quite daunting, particularly if you are returning to exercise after a break, are completely new to it or don’t have lots of self-confidence.

And there are so many benefits to being outdoors and training outdoors that it’s a no-brainer for me.

Reduce stress: being surrounded by nature reduces stress and exercise reduces stress. Put the two together and feel calmer, more relaxed and more inclined to try a bit harder and get a bit extra from your workout.

Variety: even if you are a gym lover, you have to admit it gets a bit boring, staring at the same walls or plodding along on the treadmill. Instead, go for a run, or a walk, outdoors and enjoy different surfaces, terrains, and so many beautiful things to look at. You’ll exercise different parts of your body too, by working outdoors, and you won’t get bored because you have to watch your step! This time of year is stunning as well, seeing the leaves change colour day by day.

Dose up on Vitamin D: we don’t get nearly enough vitamin D so get outdoors and soak some up. It helps counteract depression and osteoporosis, boosts your immune system and helps with bone growth. Summer is the best time for a boost, but enjoy any sunny moment – and it’s not too hot on sunny autumn days, so there’s really no excuse!

Mental health: studies have shown that exercising outdoors reduces the risk of poor mental health because it boosts self-esteem and your mood, and reduces anxiety and depression. Add to this the feel-good endorphins (dopamine and serotonin) that are released by exercise and you’ll go a long way to safeguard your mental health.

There is no membership fee required to train outdoors, no sign-up contract and no queueing for machines (no wiping them down between use either). Yes, it might be wet sometimes, and a bit chilly, but dress accordingly and you’ll soon warm up. There’s no such thing as the wrong weather for exercise, just the wrong clothing!

Autumn is great time of year to explore the outdoors and find potential new places to exercise. You can do some walking recces, either with the dog or go on a conker hunt with the children. It’s a very social way to exercise as well – running in the park with a friend is definitely the new ‘let’s meet for coffee’!

If you’re ready to give the great outdoors a go, follow me on my Facebook page for inspiration and ideas. If you are local to Maidstone and are interested in personal training, take a look here. I’ll be with you every step of the way!