Get Fit Outdoors 5 Health Benefits of Hiking and Exercising
There are many health benefits to hiking and exercising outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine are great for your mental and physical health, and being in nature is a great way to de-stress. Exercise outdoors is also great for your cardiovascular health, and it’s a fun way to get in shape.
There are a few items that are essential for hiking and exercising outdoors, like a good pair of shoes, hiking boots, clothing, a hat, sunscreen etc. and a water bottle are necessary for staying hydrated. Other items that can be helpful, a map, compass, and sunglasses etc. Among these, down jackets are the most important due to they keep you warm and insulated. They are also lightweight and can be compressed down to a small size, making them easy to pack and carry with you on your adventures.
Arcteryx offers a wide range of high-quality down jackets that serve most outdoor needs. Some examples include skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and backpacking. Arcteryx womens down jacket made of down feathers, which are a natural insulator that keeps the body warm by trapping air close to the skin. This jacket is windproof and waterproof, making it a perfect choice for outdoor activities in cold weather. Visit Arcteryx.com and choose the right jacket for your specific activity.
In this article, you will find out how to get fit outdoors and the health benefits of hiking and exercising.
How to Get Fit for Outdoors?
When you are getting fit for the outdoors, there are some things you need to consider that you might not when working out in a gym. For one, your environment is likely to be much more variable, so you need to be prepared for anything. Temperature changes, different terrain, and being far away from civilization all require different levels of fitness and stamina. Additionally, many outdoor activities involve carrying gear or moving around a lot, so strength and cardiovascular health are important to get fit for the great outdoors.
5 Health Benefits of Hiking and Exercising
There are countless benefits to hiking and exercising outdoors. Here are five of the most important health benefits:
1. Increased cardiovascular health
When you hike or exercise outdoors, you’re getting a much better workout than you would if you were to stay inside. The combination of fresh air and natural scenery helps to increase your cardiovascular health, improving your overall health and wellbeing.
In today’s society, many people spend the majority of their time indoors. This lack of exposure to natural sunlight and fresh air can have a negative impact on one’s health. One area that can be particularly affected is the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and getting exposure to sunlight can improve cardiovascular health.
Exposure to sunlight is important, as it helps the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones healthy, but it may also play a role in preventing heart disease.
Physical activity is another important factor when it comes to maintaining cardiovascular health. Exercise helps keep our hearts strong by increasing blood flow and helping to lower blood pressure.
2. Improved mental health
Outdoor activities have been shown to improve mental health in a number of ways. Exercising in nature has been linked with decreased rates of anxiety and depression, while simply spending time outdoors has been shown to improve focus, creativity, and memory.
Mental health is something that is often taken for granted. People who are considered to be in good mental health may not even think about it, until something happens to make them question their state of mind. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It is a state of well-being in which every aspect of a person’s life is positive and fulfilling. There are many things that can contribute to good mental health, such as a positive outlook on life, supportive relationships, and engaging in activities that bring joy.
One way to improve mental health is by getting outdoors and enjoying nature. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, biking, and swimming can help boost moods and provide a sense of calmness. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
3. Enhanced immune system function
Exposure to sunlight and fresh air is great for your immune system, helping you stay healthy all year long. UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, are particularly powerful in the summer when you’re outside. The same goes for pollen and other allergens that are commonly found in nature, which can irritate your throat and lungs.
Think about all the things you can do outdoors to get your immune system functioning better. There are plenty of activities that will help improve your overall health and boost your immune system. Just spending time outside in nature is great for your health. Being around trees and plants helps to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. It’s also a good way to get some exercise, fresh air, and vitamin D from the sun. If you’re looking for other activities, try swimming, hiking, biking, or running. These exercises not only give you a good workout but also increase your heart rate and help circulate blood throughout your body. All of these activities are great for improving overall health and boosting the immune system.
4. Improved self-esteem
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people with a strong sense of place and belonging were less likely to feel lonely.
In one study by the University at Buffalo, researchers found that spending time in nature helped ease depression. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people with a strong sense of place and belonging were less likely to feel lonely.
The outdoors can provide a great backdrop for boosting self-esteem. Getting out and enjoying nature can give people a sense of accomplishment and increase self-confidence. Pursuing outdoor activities also has physical benefits, such as improving fitness and helping to maintain a healthy weight. These positive outcomes can lead to an improved self-image and a more positive outlook on life.
5. Better sleep habits
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people don’t get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. There are many things you can do to improve your sleep habits, including regular exercise, stopping caffeine and alcohol before going to bed, and practicing some relaxation techniques before bedtime.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to avoid exposing yourself to bright lights in the evening. This includes turning off all electronic devices an hour or two before bedtime. A good way to relax before bed is to spend some time outdoors enjoying nature. Taking a walk in the park or spending time in your garden can help clear your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.
Hiking and exercising outdoors provide numerous health benefits. These activities can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. Additionally, hiking and exercising outdoors can improve your overall fitness level. So, if you are looking for a way to improve your health, consider hiking or exercising outdoors.
Photo by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash