The goal of this challenge is to simply take your exercise outside – whether it’s a walk, a garden-based Bounce Back class, getting out for some gardening or even hopping on your bike for a ride in the fresh air.
Why ‘Move Outside’?
I came up with this challenge for May because exercising outdoors offers so many benefits for both our physical and mental and health.
Here are a few reasons to take your exercise outside this month:
1. Boosts your
mood – Being outside and getting natural sunlight can help release
serotonin and dopamine, the body’s feel good hormones.
2. Challenge your strength and balance – Outdoor
exercise can challenge your body in different ways to indoor workouts. Uneven
ground and inclines can help you challenge your balance, strength and
coordination.
3. Reduces stress – spending time outdoors has
been found to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
4. Increases motivation
– maybe it is just a change in routine, but sometimes mixing things up by
exercising outdoors can help increase motivation, making the exercise feel more
fun.
5. Exposure to
vitamin D – Being outdoors is a great way to increase your exposure to
vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for your bones, blood cells and immune
system.
So, this May, come and join our members with our ‘Move Outdoors’ challenge!