Why You Should Take Your Workout Outdoors
We’re diving into the benefits for both your mind and body of training outside at bootcamp.
Whether you’re just starting your fitness and strength journey, want to swap the gym for the great outdoors, or add bootcamp in alongside other activities you already do, you may be surprised at the extra gains you can benefit from and how you can enhance your fitness journey.
1. Socialise and Create Community
One of the most enjoyable benefits of exercising outdoors at bootcamp is the sense of community it can create. We’re social beings and connection is vital to longevity. It brings like-minded individuals together in a relaxed setting, which has a powerful impact on your behaviour and mindset. It can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of camaraderie and support, which helps you stick to it!
2. Boost Your Mood with Light Exposure and Fresh Air
We all know that exercise releases those feel-good hormones, but when you take your workout outdoors, you add the bonus of sunshine and fresh air. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which plays a critical role in mood regulation and immune system function. The natural surroundings and outdoor elements can also lower stress and anxiety levels, helping you feel more grounded and focused. Research shows that people who exercise outdoors feel less anxious, more energetic, and in a better mood compared to those who exercise indoors. So, if you’re feeling sluggish or stressed, an outdoor workout might be just the pick-me-up you need.
3. Build Your Resilience
The ever-changing weather of our great outdoors can make bootcamp workouts more challenging. This provides another opportunity to further push outside of your comfort zone by putting your mental ‘toughness’ to the test. When the conditions are harder, that’s where we must find some ‘grit’ and push ourselves to grow. This can translate into everyday life and situations by improving our ability to adapt and ‘bounce back’ from difficult situations.
3. Improve Your Physical Fitness with Varied Terrain
Exercising on different terrain challenges your body in new ways. Exercising outdoors is less predictable and therefore activates more stabilising muscles, (those that contract to support and control the body’s movements), improving your balance, coordination, and overall strength.
4. Connect with Nature for a Mental Reset
The opportunity bootcamp provides to work out in a natural setting can feel like a mental reset. It helps to clear your head and focus on the present moment. The sights and sounds of nature can create feelings of calmness and relaxation, mental clarity and reduced mental fatigue. In addition, spending time in nature is linked to improved focus and energy levels, and can leave you feeling recharged both physically and mentally.
5. Increase Your Energy Levels and Motivation
If you’re tired of the same four walls, overcrowded spaces and the monotony of indoor workouts, stepping outside can be a great motivator. The change of scenery not only keeps things interesting, but it can also make your workout feel more exciting and invigorating.
6. Cold Weather Gains
Cold weather can boost your metabolism and increase calorie burn because your body must work harder to maintain its core temperature. It also forces your heart to work harder, which in turn strengthens your cardiovascular system. In addition to this, working out in cold, dry air can improve lung function and capacity.
A Final Note
Exercise isn’t just about breaking a sweat or hitting a personal best—it’s about improving your overall well-being. And when you take your workouts outside, you open the door to a whole new world of benefits. Exercising outdoors can leave you feeling more energized, connected, motivated and happier, on top of all the benefits you gain from the workouts themselves. That’s why bootcamp is the best way to invest in yourself – your body and mind will thank you for it.
