Boost Your Mood And Health With Outdoor Exercise

woman using apple watch for outdoor fitness

Do you want to boost your mood and health while enjoying the great outdoors? Outdoor exercise is a fantastic way to improve your overall wellbeing and today, we're sharing exactly what the benefits of outdoor exercise are and how it can enhance your mood and health. We'll also explore how smartwatches can help track your progress and keep you motivated.

Whether you prefer running, cycling, or hiking, we've got you covered with tips on choosing the right gear and equipment, including Apple Watch for Fitness and Garmin watches for fitness. Plus, discover the best outdoor fitness including cardio exercises for optimal fitness, the unexpected lower body strength training with squats, and how to prioritize nutritious meals alongside exercise. Lastly, we'll delve into the mind-body wellness benefits of yoga for flexibility and relaxation.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get moving, mama!

Want to enhance mood and health?

Looking for ways to uplift your mood and boost your overall health? Outdoor exercise is the answer! Stepping out into nature for some outdoor fitness can do wonders for your mind and body.

The fresh air helps improve cardiovascular fitness while promoting an active lifestyle that strengthens muscles such as triceps, quads, hamstrings, and even abdominal muscles. From cardio exercises like jogging or cycling to strength training exercises such as squats or push-ups done on a park bench or using bodyweight exercises on uneven terrain, outdoor fitness workouts are perfect for improving endurance and agility. Plus, don't forget about yoga and stretching under the warm sun! Incorporating regular outdoor exercise into your routine is a great way to improve your wellness in conjunction with proper nutrition & we're sharing more info about each of these below.

What are the benefits of exercising outdoors?

  1. Outdoor fitness is an excellent way to improve physical and mental health. When you work out in the fresh air, you get a natural endorphin boost that can help reduce stress levels and enhance your mood. Plus, sunlight exposure during outdoor exercise can increase vitamin D levels, which is important for overall health.

  2. Doing cardio or strength training outside can also improve your cardiovascular health and help you maintain a healthy weight. Activities such as hiking or kayaking provide a full-body workout while enjoying the beauty of nature.

  3. Being in nature has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. And if you're looking for a fun way to get in shape, consider outdoor fitness equipment or bodyweight exercises at your local park or playground.

Remember to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing as per the weather conditions when doing outdoor exercise. Warm-up before starting any activity and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the workout.

Choosing the right gear and equipment for outdoor fitness

When it comes to outdoor exercise, having the right workout equipment can make a world of difference in your performance and overall experience. Here’s some things you might want to think about:

Shoes

The shoes you wear while walking or running are really important, especially during pregnancy. Apart from the orthopedic benefits, it will help you enjoy your exercise session in extra comfort and reduce potential back and knee pain. It’s important to have supportive, structured shoes with enough cushioning to take some of the pressure off your joints.  Some women find that insoles or orthotic inserts help, as these support your arch and cushion your heel and the ball of your foot. As you progress through pregnancy, you may find that your feet actually get a bit bigger as well, so you may want to look for a pair of running shoes that are a ½ size larger than your normal size. The most important thing is to test out a pair and see how they feel as you move around in them. 

Smartwatches for tracking

woman using a smartwatch to track fitness

Tracking your outdoor fitness routine has never been easier with the right tools. Smartwatches are a great way to monitor your outdoor exercise routine while enjoying the fresh air. They help you keep track of cardio, calories burned, and heart rate while monitoring your progress over time with GPS tracking. You'll love working out in nature with a durable smartwatch that's designed for outdoor workouts and can help you take advantage of all the benefits of outdoor exercise

Benefits of using a smartwatch for outdoor exercise

When exercising outdoors, using a smartwatch offers numerous advantages:

  1. Smartwatches have GPS tracking technology that allows you to track your outdoor activities accurately. They give real-time feedback on crucial information like heart rate and number of steps taken.

  2. Watches come equipped with apps that help monitor progress towards your fitness goals & you can sync your Apple health data with Baby2Body!

  3. Syncing them to your phone lets you receive messages without pausing your workout, so you don’t lose your mojo.

  4. By incorporating smartwatches into your outdoor exercise routine, you can take your fitness goals to the next level while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

Apple Watch for outdoor fitness

Apple watch being used for outdoor fitness

Looking to take your outdoor fitness routine to the next level? Apple Watches are the perfect tool to help you reach your goals! Equipped with GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a range of other features, this durable watch makes it easy to keep track of every aspect of your workout. Plus, with reminders to stand up and move around throughout the day, you'll be well on your way to achieving a more active lifestyle in no time. Whether you prefer cardio workouts like jogging or cycling, strength training exercises like squats or push-ups, or even yoga or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the Apple Watch has got you covered.

Shop the Apple Watch range on Very.co.uk.

Garmin watches for outdoor fitness

Garmin watches for fitness are a great way to enhance your outdoor exercise experience. These watches are durable and come with features that help in monitoring your physical activity levels like heart rate, steps taken while performing outdoor workouts like running or hiking on uneven terrain. The watch also helps you keep track of your progress with personalized coaching tips that make every workout more fun and engaging. Additionally, the watch comes with GPS capabilities that let you explore different parks or nearby trails while keeping track of your workout routine.

Garmin watches are an essential part of an active lifestyle that focuses on outdoor exercise. These watches not only provide accurate data on your fitness goals but also boast features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring and step counting. By offering a range of sports modes and personalized coaching options for users to stay motivated while exercising outdoors. You can connect them with smartphones for receiving notifications on the go. Besides this feature-packed watch even offers music storage and contactless payment options making it durable equipment in all kinds of outdoor fitness activities.

Shop Garmin watches on Very.co.uk.

What exercise should I do outdoors in nature?

There are plenty of exercise options to choose from when it comes to outdoor fitness. Depending on your fitness goals and preferences, you can opt for activities like hiking, trail running, cycling, swimming, or kayaking. These activities not only offer a great cardiovascular workout but also allow you to connect with nature and enjoy scenic views while burning calories. Additionally, strength training exercises like bodyweight exercises, yoga, or resistance band workouts can be incorporated into your outdoor routine, making use of natural elements like benches or tree branches as props. Remember to stay hydrated and wear appropriate gear before embarking on any outdoor exercise.

Here's some more info on how each benefits you:

Cardio: hiking and jogging for optimal fitness

Engaging in cardio exercises like running, cycling, or hiking is vital for overall wellness during outdoor exercise. Making these activities part of your regular routine s not only better cardiovascular fitness but also reduced stress levels and lower blood pressure--all while enjoying the great outdoors. Why you should get outside? Exercising on uneven terrain and inclines can also take your workout to the next level. If you're pregnant, be cautious on uneven terrain & read more on how to stay safe whilst running during pregnancy here.

Treadmill vs outdoor exercise

Comparing treadmill workouts with outdoor fitness routines presents some key differences worth considering. Primarily, treadmills offer convenience with a controlled environment for exercising while outdoor exercises present fresh air and scenic beauty challenging one's body in new ways. Studies show that when it comes to boosting mood and mental health, outdoor fitness takes the cake! It’s equally important to note that both these exercises offer cardiovascular benefits when done consistently.

Yoga for mind-body wellness and flexibility

Melinda Nicci practicing yoga outdoors on the beach

Practicing yoga in the great outdoors is a fun way to enjoy an active lifestyle while soaking up some vitamin D and breathing in fresh air. Outdoor fitness like yoga allows you to stretch your entire body while also reducing stress levels and promoting overall wellness. By incorporating outdoor yoga into your exercise routine, you can improve your mental health while also strengthening your core muscles like your glutes and abdominal muscles. Finding the right style of outdoor yoga that suits your fitness level and personal preferences is essential for getting the most out of this activity.

Squats for lower body strength

Including squats in your outdoor fitness routine is a great way to strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and glutes while improving your cardiovascular fitness. By varying the types of squats you perform, like adding weights or doing single-leg squats, you can target different muscle groups and take your workout to the next level.





 

Bodyweight alternatives

Additionally, performing bodyweight exercises like lunges and push-ups on a park bench or playground equipment is a fun way to incorporate strength training into your outdoor workouts.

Plus, by adding these exercises to your outdoor workout routine, you'll be getting a full-body workout while soaking up some vitamin D from the sun and enjoying the fresh air outdoors! Remember to warm up properly beforehand and wear sunscreen and sunglasses if necessary.

The most important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature around you while also getting some physical activity.

Importance of nutrition when doing outdoor fitness

Proper nutrition is vital for achieving optimal results from outdoor exercise routines. A balanced diet enhances both mental and physical health by improving mood and energy levels. Moreover, incorporating healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet promotes overall wellness and helps in the recovery process. Prioritizing nutrition alongside exercise is essential to prevent injuries and ensure speedy recovery. For achieving the best outcome from outdoor workouts, it becomes imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious meals.

The takeaway

  1. Outdoor exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood and improve your health. It not only helps in physical fitness but also promotes mental wellness.

  2. Investing in the right gear like smartwatches can make a massive difference in tracking and monitoring your progress.

  3. Cardio and squats are great for building endurance and strength respectively, while yoga offers relaxation and flexibility when it comes to your outdoor fitness routine.

  4. Lastly, don't forget the importance of nutritious meals to fuel your body for optimal performance.

So step outside, breathe in some fresh air, and get moving! Leave us any questions you have in the comments.


This post is part of a paid partnership with Very.co.uk.

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