I like to walk, run and bicycle outside. I like to be active. But, I don’t like going to a gym or exercising
inside. I simply find it much more
enjoyable and convenient to exercise outside.
I don’t think of it as exercise at all.
I think of it more like play or exploring. As it turns outs, people may enjoy outside
exercise better going to the gym and may be more likely to stay with an
exercise routine.
A recent article in The New York Times’ blog, Well, explained
the benefits of exercising outside.
In comparing walking inside, on a treadmill or track vs.
walking outside the article states:
“In virtually all of the studies,
the volunteers reported enjoying the outside activity more and, on subsequent
psychological tests, scored significantly higher on measures of vitality,
enthusiasm, pleasure and self-esteem and lower on tension, depression and
fatigue after they walked outside.”
I concurred with their findings based on my own personal
experience.
I enjoyed doing things outside since childhood. I would simply run around or ride bicycles
with my friend. It was always enjoyable
to play a pickup game of softball, basketball or tag football. In high school, I was on track and
cross-country teams. We always did our
workouts outside. Running with my
teammates during practice was not just a workout but a social activity. On long training runs, there is a lot of
conversation and friendships are built.
Running, walking or bicycling outside still gives me a sense
of freedom and independence. I can vary
my route or turn down a different street.
I don’t have to drive to a gym first. I often try to discover new paths, parks and
places to go. Being outside and going to
new places breaks up the monotony of exercise and keeps it fresh.
It’s easy too. I just
put on my exercise clothes appropriate for the weather and go out the back door
to start my run. When I walk, I can
usually just go in whatever clothes I am currently wearing. I take my dog with me, because he is always
ready to go for a walk.
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