Green exercise

We all know that exercise is good for us. Exercise helps reduce risk of chronic disease and some cancers, makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight, strengthens our bones and muscles, and increases our chances of living a long healthy life. Did you know that when we combine exercise with nature – also called “green exercise” – we reap even more benefits? This is especially true when it comes to our mental well-being.

Here are some of the profound benefits of greening your exercise routine:

• You will feel better, fast. Spending as little as five minutes in nature has been shown to boost mood and increase self-esteem.
• You will get more movement in your day. When you exercise outdoors, you are seeing new surroundings, which nudges you to stay out and move for longer periods of time. More time outdoors also means less screen time.
• Your workouts will feel easier. According to research, the natural environment tends to make our workouts feel more fun, and therefore easier.
• You will be more likely to make it a habit. Taking some of our exercise outside can help it feel new and exciting, making it more likely that we’ll continue to be active.

“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir