Art of Life/Donna Parker
Exercise Outside in Cold Weather, What?
Temperature drops and shorter days, can take a toll on our physical and mental health. The winter months can be hard and leave you feeling hopeless, less productive and/or drained of energy. Fresh air, sun, trees. Nature is a magical thing, and according to some studies, can have strong healing powers for a number of ailments. Spending time outdoors, even in the winter, can improve your physical and mental health, ward off illness, and actually make you happier!
Spending time outside is not only essential for our well-being, but it can positively benefit our mental and physical health. By simply being outside in the sunlight, you are triggering the first response the body needs to create vitamin D. “Your body burns more calories when exercising outdoors in the winter because it’s utilizing more energy to keep the body warm and sustain activity,” said Jasmin Theard, an exercise physiologist at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center. Benefits of being outdoors in cold weather include:
Boosts life satisfaction. If you have been feeling blue, visit the outdoors! A recent study found that men and women who spent just 20 minutes in a park setting reported a 64 percent hike in life satisfaction. The best news? Your satisfaction levels have nothing to do with physical activity! Simply being outside boosts your well-being. Of course, movement adds a plethora of additional health benefits, including:
Elevates vitamin D levels. Regular sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D. Having your time outside around midday is ideal, as UVB rays reach their peak around noon.
Being outdoors burns more calories. Whether you venture outside to relax or workout, you will burn more calories than if you stay inside.
Spending time outside increases happiness. It probably comes as no surprise that outdoor time can have a positive effect on mood.
Being outdoors generates creativity. It is not a fluke that the best ideas come to us when we are in a relaxed state. A great way to promote creativity is by unplugging and enjoying time in nature. The key is disconnecting from technology and giving your mind a much-needed respite.
How much outdoor activity is enough? Science suggests that spending 120 minutes in nature each week is ideal for optimal health and well-being. While getting outside daily could undoubtedly make you feel better, researchers note that the recommended two hours per week does not have to be divvied up evenly. That is great news for folks who live in urban areas, have limited access to nature, and those with hectic schedules. Whether you venture outdoors one day per week or seven, you will reap the rewards.
Here is the best part: the activity does not matter. Whether you are physically active or just relaxing, the act of being outside is what matters. The other good news is there are a number of ways to be active during the winter. As with any workout routine, get your physician’s okay before embarking on a new exercise program.
Outdoor activity ideas can include: Walking, walk your dog, walk around your neighborhood, ice hockey, snowball fights, sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, pulling someone in a sled, skiing, play in the snow, make a snow angel, walk around and take photos, shadow box outside, throw the ball for your dog, or grab your family and friends and explore the parks and hiking trails around you.
Do not let winter serve as an excuse to be a couch potato. Taking the time to move will boost your immunity, keep you energized and ward off winter weight gain. Enjoy!
