The Great Outdoors! Go!

Embracing the Great Outdoors

As May will bring in warmer temperatures and longer days, it is the perfect time to step outside and embrace the great outdoors. Beyond simply enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, engaging in outdoor exercise offers a myriad of health benefits for both body and mind. Dr. Aaron Workman, a skilled chiropractor of one of the highest rated auto injury medical programs in the Greater Lexington area, explores some of the benefits of outdoor exercise and why such activity leaves the participant feeling supercharged just from being outdoors.

One of the primary advantages of outdoor exercise is the opportunity for increased exposure to natural sunlight. Sunlight is a vital source of vitamin D. This exposure accounts for over 90% of vitamin D required levels. When the skin is exposed to the sun, it builds vitamin D in the skin cells. Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. The more time spent outdoors allows your body to absorb more sunlight and produce more vitamin D naturally, helping to maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient.

Just being outside in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. The beauty of nature can have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. A review, “Associations between Nature Exposure and Health,” published in 2021 showed positive effects on mental health, cognitive function, blood pressure, sleep, anxiety, chronic disease, and the list goes on and on.

Engaging in physical activity outdoors offers great cardiovascular benefits. Whether it is jogging along a trail, mountain biking, or swimming in a lake, outdoor exercise provides an opportunity to challenge your cardiovascular system while enjoying the beauty of nature. Regular cardiovascular exercise can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Outdoor exercise also encourages more physical exertion compared to indoor activities. The different terrain, elevations and weather elements of outdoor environments often require more engagement from different muscle groups, resulting in a more unique overall workout. From hiking up hills to navigating uneven trails and rocks, outdoor exercise challenges your body in ways that can lead to increased strength, endurance, and flexibility. That uneven terrain can give extra challenges to the knees, feet, and ankles that you will find hard to reproduce inside.

While this idea is wonderful, you still must find a way to incorporate outdoor exercise into your routine if you are not already doing so. You will find it easier to be consistent if you consider a variety of activities that cater to your interests and fitness level. Do not run if you have not jogged. Do not mountain bike on advanced trails if you have not spent time on the basic trails. Whether it is walking, hiking, gardening, or doing stretching in the park, there are endless possibilities for enjoying outdoor physical activity. Start by setting easy achievable goals and gradually increasing the duration and intensity as you go.

Prioritize safety when exercising outdoors by wearing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated, and protecting yourself from the sun’s rays with sunscreen and sunglasses. It is also helpful to be mindful of your surroundings and respect the natural environment. Leave it like you found it or better.

Springtime provides an excellent opportunity to embrace the outdoors with different activities that will bring numerous health benefits. By venturing out and being active in nature you can enhance your physical and mental well-being, along with your overall quality of life. Lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle and get started today!

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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