The benefits of exercising outdoors

Exercise offers a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health, whether you perform it indoors or outdoors. However, taking at least some of your workouts outside can potentially offer you some added benefits.

Exercising outside gives you access to natural sunlight. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun allows your skin to synthesize an active form of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that acts like a hormone in the body to aid several functions, including bone maintenance and turnover, female reproductive hormone production and function, and immunity.

Being outside may also help to boost your mood. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a new environment, experience the sounds and feelings of nature and perhaps even feel more connected to your world.