Why Training Outdoors is Good for You

My Queens,

Spring has officially sprung, and that means our outdoor workouts are set to get even better! Are you a winter workout gal or a warmer weather woman? I like aspects of both - but you really can’t beat training in the daylight can you!  

Today we’re looking into the benefits of training outside (warm or cold!) so that we get our booties in the mood for Spring and our upcoming Spring Challenge. Remember if you’re missing us in the two weeks off, we have plenty of casuals to keep you moving - book onto them here. 

So, why IS training outdoors so good for you? 

1. It lowers blood pressure and reduces stress

Studies have shown that physical activity outdoors lowers blood pressure and heart rate (well, maybe it doesn’t feel like it during… have you TRIED doing slam ball burpees recently!?) But seriously, exercise outdoors feels less strenuous than similar exercise indoors, which, in turn pushes you closer to your maximum performance! SO, even though you feel like your heart rate is busting itself out 10 reps in, be rest assured that you’re able to push harder vs. if you did the same thing inside! 

And when it comes to reducing stress - often it feels like all it takes is to get to a class and you breathe a sigh of relief as you warm up in the fresh air! Being outside is calming and also very freeing, so naturally you will reduce stress by training in the big wide world vs. potentially stressing yourself out trying to hammer through a gym workout just to get through it. 

2. Fresh Air! 

Breathing in…… annnnnddddd breathing out…….. Can you taste it? That fresh taste of spring seeping through your nostrils / That lovely breeze helping you get through the last reps as you wipe the sweat out of your eyes. Nothing beats being in the fresh air when you workout and it has health benefits too: studies have shown that training outside can help you to fall asleep and also improve the quality of your sleep. See ya later insomnia, I’m off to Bod Squad…! 

3. It is a natural antidepressant - hello sunshine 

Fresh outdoor air and natural light invigorate and provide more energy for your mind and body. In fact, sunlight enhances energy generation in the muscles and oxidation of the tissues. 

Outdoor exercise can help ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression and anxiety because sunshine naturally increases serotonin. Plus, exercise produces endorphins, another feel-good hormone that boosts your mood and reduces pain. 

Plus, sunshine provides the vitamin D that we need, and you can say “hellooo” to the tan you’ve been missing so far this year…! Sunshine just makes us happier all round, let’s face it. P.S. It makes you even happier if you wear sunscreen ;). Just apply it in plenty of time or you’ll end up with it dripping down your face. No one likes that. 

4. Nature 

‘The hills are alive, with the sound of natttuuurrreeeeee.’ This one kind of relates to all of the above. But, for us Northern Rivers gals, it’s super important. How happy does seeing a dolphin/ whale swimming past make you feel?! For us coaches it makes us nervous… especially when your boxing partner starts cooing “whale!” while you’re trying to aim for their very ambiguous pad placement…! But, even with a minor, accidental punch in the face, the nature and animals around us provide such distraction happiness that you train harder without even realising! 

5. Training TOGETHER 

The big one. At the end of the day, training outdoors allows us to train together, in big and small groups, consistently. Being social while training is another proven form of more effective and enjoyable exercise - you don’t put so much pressure on yourself, and can enjoy mates’ company as well as smashing your goals. Exercise outside is definitely less of a chore, and more of a fun activity! 

So there we have it. Oh, and a bonus point that didn’t fit into the neat ‘5 ways’ narrative.. Training outside can challenge your body more - since you’re exercising on changing terrain, your body is more challenged than when it is working out on a flat, indoor surface!

Have a fabulous day. See you in the fresh air with a big-ol’ smile very soon <3

X O X O