Taking steps to improve our fitness is such a common goal for UK adults that it’s a classic new year’s resolution cliché. But it’s never a bad time to adopt healthier habits, and going outside to do physical exercise is a fantastic way to do so – not just because it’s pleasant to get out into the world but also because it offers tangible benefits to your body.
The impact of fresh air and natural light
It’s easy not to realise how important it is for us to get outside. Sunlight is what our bodies need to produce vitamin D, which plays a key role in our immune systems as well as bones and blood. It also helps our bodies to absorb more essential minerals like calcium. It doesn’t take much exposure per day to take in enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels but the more, the better!
On top of that, spending time in fresh air is something your body will thank you for. It’s good for… well, almost every part of you, from providing more power to your brain to improving your digestive health. The last few years have also certainly taught us all about the value of reducing your risk to airborne diseases, and fresh air helps to clear your lungs. The health benefits of being outside are leading many to embrace going on walking holidays in England, for a chance to refresh in more ways than one.
How outdoor exercise helps your heart
The kinds of exercise you’re likely to be doing when you get outside are also excellent for your overall health. While you take in some passive benefits from the air and light, activities like running, cycling or hiking will help you strengthen your cardiovascular system – that is, your heart and blood. With 23% of Brits now describing themselves as “hikers”, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is all about! Getting active in nature also means you’re more likely to experience different kinds of terrain, which helps to challenge your muscles and keep them strong.
The role of green spaces in our health
Being outside isn’t just good for your physical health. While fresh air is useful for producing and releasing serotonin, a chemical which helps to put you in a good mood, spending time among the trees – sometimes called “forest bathing” when done purposefully – has also been found to reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Reduced stress is a mental benefit enough on its own but it also has knock-on effects like putting less pressure on your immune system. It all adds up to a host of reasons why making plans to spend time outside is worth your while.
