With the arrival of spring, the flowers bloom, the trees get new life and the day is prolonged. This gives people plenty of time to utilize the outdoor environment, and to change the location of their physical activity time. If during the winter a gym would be a good choice, or even a home to perform a physical exercises routine, it’s good to try outdoors during the spring.
When you change the place of physical exercise, from a closed environment to an open environment, probability is you will exercise longer. Some studies suggest up to 30 minutes of increased activity time when the location changes. Along with the time comes balancing of stress hormones and increased endorphin (satisfaction hormone) and serotonin levels.
For people who suffer from high blood pressure, 30 minutes a week walking in open green environments is good news. Fresh air and lowering the intensity of the activities help the heart relax and reorder its rhythm. Scientists also attach importance to the mental and psychological state that brings the presence into an open green environment.
A study by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America links urban growth, with the rise of mental disorders in humans. The study also highlights the importance of time spent in nature and the significant improvement in mental balance. A 90-minute walk helps lower the stress level in the brain, and balances the signs associated with depression.
Another positive side is financial savings. To go out and exercise in public spaces, you need nothing more than a pair of good sneakers. Modern times do not refer to technology development, but to creating a healthier lifestyle. Physical exercise in nature responds to the physical and mental needs of humans, and spring is the most perfect time to start.
- Hahn, K., Daily, G., Hamilton, P., Bratman, G., & Gross, J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation.
- Kerr, J., Sallis, J., Saelens, B., Kelli, C., Conway, T., Frank, L., & King, A. (2012). Outdoor physical activity and self-rated health in older adults living in two regions of the U.S
- SIFFERLIN, A. (2017). Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Take Your Workout Outdoors. Time.