Outside Advantage

Be Thankful for The Great Outdoors

Is there an advantage to exercising outside?  Right now you are probably thinking of Thanksgiving dinner – but, what about all the ways you are going to enjoy dinner (by not overeating) and how you are going to burn off those Thanksgiving calories. Just because it is a holiday, does not mean you can fall off the health wagon (well, as long as the turkey is not fried – then it is good).

But, back to the original question – is there an advantage to exercising outside?  I know many people would anecdotally say that exercising outside is better for you, but now there is some research to back it up.  According to a recent study at the University of Rome, exercising in the outdoors is generally more enjoyable.  After two 20-minute workouts – one on a treadmill, one on an outdoor track – participants were shown to have kept a steadier speed/pace. And they also reported feeling the exercise experience outside was more pleasant. 

One reason why people might like exercising outside – the scenery. The study also reported that people perceive the exercise to be less strenuous when they are outside.  With the winter weather on it’s way, it may no longer be possible for some to enjoy exercising outside. So, if you do have to go into a gym, pick a treadmill in a crowded section (I know – most of us avoid this treadmill), but people watching can be an excellent diversion in the gym. Also, listening to music or watching your favorite TV program can also help make exercise indoors more tolerable until Spring rolls around.

Some of us are also lucky enough to live in communities which create safe, pleasant outdoor experiences. This makes it easier and more convenient to enjoy the outdoors while exercising. Seattle has earned top honor for walk-ability (and cycling). There were 10 other communities which were named Walk Friendly Communities:

1.     Seattle, WA

2.     Ann Arbor, MI

3.     Arlington, VA

4.     Hoboken, NJ

5.     Santa Barbara, CA

6.     Charlottesville, VA

7.     Decatur, GA

8.     Austin, TX

9.     Flagstaff, AZ

10.   Wilsonville, OR

If you want to help make your city Walk Friendly here are a few things you can do:

·        petition to your local city officials for more walkways

·        report problem sidewalks or lighting issues

·         create a local area map or guide for walking and cycling trails

·        Start a walking group, cycling group, or family friendly weekends where everyone can get outside to enjoy being healthy

Actually, creating more areas for walking and cycling can help to stimulate the local economy as well. This is a great way to provide green jobs to people. Once the walk ways and cycling tracks are complete – they can be used in charity events, civic events, and for local school events. This generates a great sense of community, green jobs, and healthy living – Everyone is a winner!