What are the health benefits of engaging in regular physical activity outdoors?
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Health Benefits of Engaging in Regular Physical Activity Outdoors
Psychological Benefits of Outdoor Physical Activity
Engaging in physical activity outdoors, particularly in natural environments, has been shown to significantly enhance psychological well-being. Studies indicate that outdoor exercise in green spaces can reduce anxiety, anger, and depression while increasing positive affect, energy, and engagement1 3 4. These benefits are more pronounced when compared to physical activity in urban environments or indoors, suggesting that the natural setting plays a crucial role in enhancing mental health outcomes1 3 4.
Physical Health Improvements
Regular outdoor physical activity is associated with numerous physical health benefits. Walking groups, for instance, have been found to improve cardiovascular health and overall physical functioning5. Additionally, outdoor exercise can help prevent conditions such as vitamin D deficiency, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and myopia, which are prevalent in both youth and seniors2. The natural environment not only encourages more frequent and sustained physical activity but also provides a setting that can enhance the physical benefits of exercise2 6.
Enhanced Social and Emotional Well-being
Outdoor physical activity also offers significant social benefits. It promotes social interaction and community engagement, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and reduced feelings of isolation2 7. Activities such as group walks or community sports can foster a sense of belonging and support, which are essential for mental health. Moreover, the emotional well-being derived from regular exercise in nature is consistently higher compared to built environments, contributing to better overall life satisfaction9.
Long-term Adherence to Physical Activity
One of the key advantages of outdoor physical activity is its impact on long-term adherence to exercise routines. Participants often report greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activities, which increases their likelihood of continuing these activities over time3. This sustained engagement is crucial for maintaining the long-term health benefits associated with regular physical activity3 8.
Cognitive Engagement and Psychological Benefits
Incorporating cognitive engagement strategies during outdoor physical activities can further enhance psychological benefits. For example, being mindful and aware of the natural surroundings during walks can improve attentional functioning and reduce feelings of frustration10. This approach can make it easier for individuals to achieve the psychological benefits of outdoor exercise, even in less ideal settings10.
Conclusion
Engaging in regular physical activity outdoors offers a multitude of health benefits, including improved psychological well-being, enhanced physical health, better social and emotional well-being, and increased long-term adherence to exercise routines. The natural environment plays a significant role in amplifying these benefits, making outdoor physical activity a highly effective strategy for promoting overall health and well-being.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Psychological benefits of outdoor physical activity in natural versus urban environments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental studies
Outdoor physical activity in natural environments is more beneficial for psychological health outcomes compared to urban environments.
Outdoor physical activity bears multiple benefits to health and society.
Outdoor physical activity promotes health and social benefits, and should be strongly promoted globally to prevent diseases like vitamin D deficiency, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and myopia.
Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review
Exercise in natural environments is associated with greater mental wellbeing benefits compared to indoor exercise, but the long-term sustainability of these effects remains unclear.
Does Physical Activity in Natural Outdoor Environments Improve Wellbeing? A Meta-Analysis
Physical activity in natural outdoor environments is associated with higher wellbeing, but there is limited evidence to support superior benefits compared to indoor activity.
Walking groups improve cardiovascular and general health, study shows
Regular walking in a group significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, physical functioning, and mental health, compared to individuals walking alone.
Ambient air pollution in China poses a multifaceted health threat to outdoor physical activity
Outdoor physical activity in China, a traditional practice, faces a major public health challenge due to high air pollution levels, potentially increasing health risks and posing a major public health crisis.
Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society. A Systematic Literature Review and Reflections on Evidence
Outdoor sports provide social benefits such as physical health, mental wellbeing, education, active citizenship, crime reduction, and anti-social behavior, but long-term effects require further research.
The Effects of Outdoor versus Indoor Exercise on Psychological Health, Physical Health, and Physical Activity Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Trials
Outdoor exercise shows limited evidence of added health or behavior benefits compared to indoor exercise, with high risk of bias and unclear reporting.
The Relationship between Perceived Health and Physical Activity Indoors, Outdoors in Built Environments, and Outdoors in Nature
Repeated exercise in nature is consistently linked to better emotional well-being, while general health benefits are observed in both built and natural outdoor settings.
Enhancing the benefits of outdoor walking with cognitive engagement strategies
Promoting cognitive engagement with the environment can enhance the psychological benefits of outdoor walking, even in less ideal settings.
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