Five Surprising Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
When it comes to working out, many people head straight for the gym, preferring to work their muscles on a treadmill or elliptical machine. While gyms are certainly helpful and can give an athlete a head start on their fitness goals, nothing beats the benefits of nature. For those looking to improve their fitness, outdoor recreation can help improve physical and emotional health and fitness, while turning exercise from a boring routine into a fun adventure. Here are five reasons why everyone should go out.
improve physics
Outdoor recreation can often be physically demanding, but sports work different muscles than the stationary machines at the gym. Instead of doing countless repetitions on a weight machine, try canoeing or going fishing with a friend. The movements of sports work the stabilizing muscles of the arm and core in a different way, increasing the effectiveness of a gym workout and improving muscle tone and strength. Best of all, because the moves come with a healthy dose of fun, it won’t feel like a workout!
participate with others
Working out in a gym is often a solitary activity. Headphones and televisions often prevent people from interacting or conversing while exercising. Outside, whether on a hiking trail or golf course, people can talk to one another, turning a solitary activity into a social outing. Once conversations begin, many people find that they have more in common with their fellow participants than they bargained for, resulting in new friendships and new connections.
Disconnect from the daily routine
Technology is everywhere in daily life. At work, many tasks are performed on a computer, and at home, countless hours are spent watching television. Going for a walk or sitting in a park gives people a chance to unplug and relax. Instead of focusing on a screen, people can focus on looking at the clouds or watching the way leaves blow in the wind. Disconnecting from technology gives the mind a chance to rest and reset, reducing the anxiety and stress associated with an on-demand society.
Better sleep and improved focus
Anyone familiar with spending hours outdoors in the sun knows that at the end of the day, your body is tired. Outdoor recreation changes the way the body moves, exercising new muscles and stimulating the mind. Physical activity helps the body relax and makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Well-rested people are better prepared to focus on the day ahead and often see an improvement in the quality of their work.
develop new hobbies
Getting outdoors is a great way to discover new passions and hobbies. Go somewhere new, hike a new trail, or play a new sport. The new experiences will not only help cultivate a passion for the environment, but also give people an outlet outside of their usual hobbies.
Instead of heading to the gym for a solo training session, get outside, take a walk in nature and breathe in the fresh air.