The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Plan more workouts in nature this summer

Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash

Swimming outdoors is one of my favorite things.

This may sound silly, but it really is. One of the first things I did when moving to my new neighborhood was figure out what my fitness plans would be. I've always been a runner, so I had to map out the best routes for long and short runs. Easy routes that can become routine. A good way to get to know my new area while keeping fit and healthy. Once I had my running (and cycling) routes down, I had to decide what other ways I wanted to keep in shape.

I am lucky enough to have a great swimming facility nearby and it has been a game changer for me. Sure, lots of gyms have indoor swimming pools, but this is an outdoor facility. 20 lanes of varying depths that are open year round rain or shine. It's a nice perk of living in California. The water does stay perfectly heated, you just have to withstand whatever the outdoor temperature may be. At this swim center, you can book a lane to swim in 55 minute increments. That gives you a little under an hour to swim, aqua-run, or frolic in the water in any way you see fit.

And at the same time, you are getting some fresh air, and (usually) some sunshine! A solid does of Vitamin D. I'm not a doctor, but I've long touted how much better I feel when I spend time outside, and I’m not alone. It used to be working near a window. Then I started working outdoors on most days. Outdoor running has always been a big part of my life. Now, for the past few months, I've added outdoor swimming to my Vitamin D regiment.

Swimming is obviously phenomenal exercise. It's low impact, can be aerobic or anaerobic, and works nearly all muscle groups at once. You may say it's the perfect exercise. And if you're able to do it outdoors it makes for an even better experience.

Yes, I get sunburn and that's a real concern. You should absolutely slather on the sun block before spending excessive time outdoors. But there is also something to be said about regimented doses of sun exposure. You always get the worst sun burns when you fall asleep on the beach or lose track of time while being outdoors. You can only get so much sun exposure when you book a 55 minute swim session. No chance of falling asleep or losing track of time when someone else is waiting to take over your lane. It's a safer way to work on your tan.

Maybe think of it like drinking alcohol. Having a glass of wine every once in a while can be beneficial. One night of binge drinking can be very detrimental to your health. It's similar with sun exposure. A little at a time can be good, but don't overdo it.

What got me thinking about the benefits of outdoor exercise? My friends over at Wild Gym (formerly monkii) are doing a wild challenge for this month. It's essentially encouraging people to workout outdoors everyday leading up to the summer solstice (aka the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere). The solstice provides and additional opportunity to really maximize that extra daylight and take on a bigger challenge, or misogi. Maybe something like a camping trip, extra long run or hike, whatever you enjoy doing outdoors.

Let's all look for the opportunity to get outside more over the next few months. No matter what the weather, find time everyday to get in nature and be active. Even if you have a job that keeps you tethered to a computer for hours on end, find time for breaks and physical activity. Your work will still be there waiting for you when you return and you'll likely be more rested and better equipped to do your best work.

Here’s to a wild summer!