The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Whether you’re taking a brisk walk with your dog or committing a few hours to ascending a 14,000-foot peak, exercising outdoors offers unique benefits that you can’t find at home or in your gym. Beyond improving your physical well-being, connecting with nature has been proven to enhance mental health, facilitate an improved mood and reduce stress levels.

The fresh air and vitamin D from natural light can invigorate your senses and provide a refreshing break from the confines of indoor spaces, and outdoor exercise often encourages social interaction, whether through group activities like hiking clubs or simply passing fellow enthusiasts on the trail.

All that said, we’re exploring the unique benefits of outdoor exercise below.

#1 It Can Improve Your Mood

Some researchers believe that spending time outdoors connects us to our hunter-gatherer instincts. Accordingly, nature is believed to be restorative, allowing us to recover from mental fatigue and rejuvenate our minds, stimulating a more positive mindsetoverall.

In fact, the natural environment can significantly reduce stress levels and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Exposure to green spaces has also been linked to lower levels of nervousness and feelings of sadness, providing a natural boost to your mental health. Additionally, one study found that children who lived in neighborhoods with green space experienced lower risks of developing mental health problems.

Accordingly, if you find yourself challenged with negative feelings, the antidote may be time spent outdoors.

#2 It Can Challenge Your Body in New Ways

Outdoor exercise offers diverse terrain and varying intensities, which can enhance:

Cardiovascular fitness
Muscle strength
Flexibility

The changing environment keeps your body challenged and engaged, leading to more effective workouts compared to repetitive indoor workouts. The fresh air can also improve respiratory function and increase energy levels, making your exercise sessions more invigorating.

Further, research has found that the visual stimuli of outdoor spaces may reduce your perception of exertion during outdoor workouts. In other words, the sights and sounds of towering trees and wildlife may distract you from the physical effort you’re putting in, making your workout feel easier and more enjoyable. This is what’s known as the “green exercise effect.”

More than that, studies have found that people naturally tend to walk faster when outdoors. This can support:

Cardiovascular health
Increased calorie burn
Enhanced fitness levels

#3 It Encourages Social Interaction

Outdoor environments often provide opportunities to meet new people and engage socially with neighbors and like minded individuals, which can help foster:

Improved moods
Reduced stress
Sense of belonging
Heart health

If you’re looking to connect with others while connecting with nature, consider these group exercise options:

Joining a running group
Teaming up with a hiking group
Participating in outdoor yoga classes
Becoming part of a community gardening project
Engaging in volunteer conservation efforts
Attending nature walks or guided bird watching
Taking part in an organized sports league

In many cases, group exercise can enhance motivation and make workouts more enjoyable—and it may even lead to lasting friendships.

#4 It Connects You With Nature

Spending time in outdoor environments fosters a deeper connection with the natural world, and it can even encourage mindfulness—a concept that involves being fully present and engaged in the moment.

Practicing mindfulness in nature allows you to appreciate the sights, sounds and sensations around you, which can yield mental health benefits like helping to reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and contentment. Instead of plugging in your headphones during your outdoor workout, take the opportunity for a mini digital detox and exercise to the sound of nature instead.

#5 It Can Improve Your Cognitive Abilities

Evidence suggests that spending time in open green spaces and natural surroundings can reduce the sensory overload that we may feel in bustling urban spaces. Rather, the mind and body can relax in natural environments, supporting:

Concentration and focus facilitating increased productivity
Creativity
Problem-solving
Emotional well-being

How to Enhance Your Time Outdoors

When beginning your outdoor physical activity journey, it’s important to set achievable goals. Whether you tackle an intense trail or simply go for a power walk when you need a break at work, any amount of exercise in a natural environment has the potential to spark the numerous benefits we’ve discussed here. While you may not be able to summit a challenging peak in your first days as a hiker, you can start by:

Setting realistic milestones – Begin with shorter, less demanding trails or routes that match your current fitness level. Gradually increase the distance or difficulty as you build strength and endurance to work toward your fitness goals.
Focusing on enjoyment– Choose activities that you find enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it's hiking, cycling or simply walking in a local park, prioritize exercise that brings you a sense of joy and achievement.
Learning outdoor skills – Take the time to learn basic outdoor skills such as navigation, safety protocols and proper gear use. This knowledge not only enhances your experience but also ensures your safety and comfort during outdoor adventures.
Listening to your body – Pay attention to how your body responds to outdoor exercise. Take breaks when needed, stay hydrated and listen to any signals of fatigue or discomfort. In other words, you’ll want to respect your limits while also gradually pushing yourself to achieve new mental health or fitness goals.
Fueling your body – When exercising outdoors, it’s critical to fuel your body adequately to support your physical activity and maintain energy levels. For example, hydrate regularly, eat a well-balanced meal before your expedition and bring along treats that may enhance your physical and mental health, such electrolyte gummies, energy bars or our CBD gummies for sale.
Connecting with others – Joining outdoor clubs or finding workout buddies can provide support, motivation and a sense of camaraderie that can fuel each workout and make the experience more rewarding.
Exploring new places– Explore local parks, nature reserves and trails to discover new landscapes and create new experiences. Variety also keeps outdoor physical activity interesting and helps you appreciate the beauty of different natural settings.

Enhance Your Outdoor Workout With Zebra CBD

The physical and mental health benefits of outdoor exercise are just as varied as the landscapes you’ll encounter. From improving your mood and cognitive function to challenging your body with diverse terrain, working out in the great outdoors offers a holistic approach to healthy living and fitness.

For those looking to enhance their experience, Zebra CBD offers a range of CBD products designed to support your outdoor workout. Whether you prefer hemp pills for a quick boost of calm and focus, or CBD topicals like our CBD roll-ons, CBD balms and rubs, and CBD hemp oil for sale to aid in recovery and relaxation after a strenuous hike or run, incorporating CBD into your routine can beautifully complement your outdoor workout. You can even make your own pre or post workout CBD tea or CBD coffee by adding a couple drops of our oil to your cup.

Learn more about taking CBD on the move, like tips for traveling with CBD internationally, with ZebraCBD. Enhance your outdoor adventures with the natural benefits of our premium CBD products today.

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