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SPORTS & FITNESS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 13, 2024 

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Maybe you have a challenging time sticking 
to a exercise regimen. It’s easy to get started 
but not so easy to stay committed. You know 
you need to get more physical activity but it 
just seems like a struggle sometimes. Gym 
memberships, expensive gear and the same 
old routine just isn’t cutting it. What can 
you do to still get the exercise you need to 
improve your physical, mental and emotional 
well-being?

One way that can help is to include nature in 
your workout plan. Using the great outdoors 
as your partner has many benefits.

Budget-Friendly.

While gym memberships, fitness classes, and 
home exercise equipment can incur ongoing 
costs, outdoor workouts typically require 
little to no financial investment. Public 
parks, trails, sidewalks, and outdoor spaces 
are freely accessible to everyone, so you can 
engage in physical activity without expensive 
memberships or equipment purchases. You 
also eliminate the need for transportation 
to and from a gym, saving both time and 
money on commuting expenses. Whether 
it's a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a 
jog through a local park, or a bodyweight 
workout at a nearby outdoor fitness station, 
the affordability and accessibility of going outside makes it an attractive option.

Fresh Air and Connection with Nature. 

Exercising outdoors offers the dual benefits of fresh air and connection with nature. Breathing in 
the crisp outdoor air can be invigorating and energizing, providing a welcome change from the 
often-stale air found indoors. Additionally, being surrounded by natural landscapes, whether it's 
a serene forest, a picturesque beach, or a scenic park, can foster feelings of awe and gratitude. This 
connection with nature has been shown to enhance mood, reduce stress, and promote overall 
well-being. It’s not just a physical activity but also a rejuvenating experience for the mind and 
spirit.

Brain Health. 

Exercising outdoors adds an extra dimension to physical activity by providing a stimulating and 
dynamic environment. Mental engagement of the brain during outdoor exercise can enhance 
cognitive function, including attention, memory, and executive function. 

Varied Terrain For Extra Benefits. 

Exercising outdoors offers the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of terrains, each 
presenting unique challenges and benefits. Unlike the controlled environment of indoor 
activities, taking it outside provides natural obstacles such as hills, trails, beaches, and parks that 
can dynamically engage different muscle groups and enhance overall fitness. Running or hiking 
on uneven terrain requires greater stabilization and balance, strengthening core muscles and 
improving coordination. Cycling or rollerblading on paved paths offers cardiovascular benefits 
while also honing reflexes and agility. Engaging with varied terrain not only adds excitement and 
novelty to workouts but also prevents overuse injuries by distributing the physical stress across 
different muscle groups. Navigating different landscapes fosters a deeper connection with nature 
and cultivates a sense of adventure, motivating you to explore your physical limits and reach new 
fitness milestones. 

Natural Light and Vitamin D Production. 

Take advantage of the valuable opportunity for sunlight exposure, allowing the body to produce 
vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for overall health. Sunlight triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in 
the skin, which plays a vital role in calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. 
Adequate vitamin D levels have been associated with a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, 
including osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Sunlight also stimulates the 
production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-
being. This can lead to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased overall 
happiness. Just remember to practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and protective 
clothing to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of skin damage.

Social Interaction and Community Building. 

Whether participating in group activities, joining outdoor fitness classes, or simply walking with 
friends or family, exercising outside provides a platform for connecting with others who share 
similar health and fitness goals. That adds a social element to workouts and fosters accountability 
and motivation. Group settings encourages you to push yourself further, challenge your limits, 
and celebrate achievements with others. Outdoor fitness environments often serve as hubs for 
community gatherings and events, such as charity runs, group hikes, or sports leagues. These 
shared experiences promote physical health, strengthen social bonds, cultivate a sense of 
belonging, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness. Interacting with others while being 
outside can spark meaningful conversations, foster new friendships, and create a supportive 
network of like-minded individuals.

Now that the weather will be getting warmer and sunnier, take advantage of the above benefits. 
Go out and enjoy the sunshine a little bit each day. Even if you already have a great indoor fitness 
routine in place it’s a great motivator. It’s different, always available and you may even forget 
you’re exercising.


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness Visit 
her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com