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With the weather warming up, the number of exercise enthusiasts are increasing on our roads, at our parks and on the trails. Exercising outside is a great way to improve your health, fitness levels and even your mood.
According to a report by authors from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Essex, it was found that outdoor natural environments provide the best all-round health benefits. When exercising outside it was found that participants challenged themselves more than when exercising indoors – without them even realising it. Exercising outside also contributed to stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, improving mood and self-esteem, and physical health.
“Being outside is a natural way to a healthier life. Whether it is your mood or your fitness levels that need boosting, breathing in the fresh air and absorbing Vitamin D while enjoying the sunshine, is a great way to feel and get healthy again,” comments Mario Correia, brand manager for Everysun. However, although the outdoors offers great mental and physical health benefits, Correia does caution that when it comes to exercising in the sun precautions need to be taken:
- Staying hydrated while exercising outdoors is very important, as the heat and added perspiration can cause you to dehydrate quicker than when indoors. A water bottle is a must for while you are exercising, and it is also recommended to hydrate before and after you exercise to keep your water levels up.
- Always apply sunscreen before leaving the house. The sun can damage your skin and cause severe illness when left unprotected in the sun overtime. The Everysun sport range* formula contains Vita Lock™, an infusion of superfruits, antioxidants, vitamins and advanced UVA and UVB filters with photo stability. This advanced complex and high protection sunscreen is long lasting and provides athletes protection both in and out of the water. It is available in SPF 50 and as an invisi-spray which is non-greasy.
- Choose your outdoor exercise times beforehand. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to be outdoors. If you find yourself exercising outside of these hours, make sure to take breaks and rehydrate often.
- Dress for the outdoors. This includes a hat, protective skins, clothes that keep you dry and cool, and the correct types of shoes. A hat is a must to keep the sun off your head and to protect your face while exercising. Moisture-wicking clothes are essential for outdoors as they keep you dry and cool to prevent overheating. Cotton clothing tends to keep heat and moisture in and is therefore not suitable for outdoors. Also, make sure that your shoes are correct. The same shoes you wear to the gym may not be suitable for the outdoors.
- Take it slow. The outdoors terrain is different to that of inside. Hills, wind and heat are new elements to the indoor exerciser and should be assessed and tried before taken head on.
Once you have taken into account the sun protection you need for exercising outside, whether you are a runner, cyclist, walker, hiker, or just someone who enjoys a stroll around the block, get moving and take advantage of what the beautiful South African weather has to offer.
