Save money on gym fees: hit the great outdoors
Why waste money on the gym when there is a natural fitness centre outside your front door? Nearly half of women polled said they are exercising outside three times a week and many cite expensive fees as the reason they’re not going to the gym. Exercising outside is good for mental health, too. A recent study found 88 per cent of people experienced an overall improvement in mood after exercising outdoors compared to 45 percent of people whose mood worsened after exercising indoors.
Dr Jo Barton, leading researcher in green exercise at the University of Essex, said: “Green exercise offers unique benefits compared to working out indoors. It significantly improves mood, self-esteem and restores mental fatigue. Added to this, people work harder when in a natural environment but perceive their workout to be easier. Training in the Great Outdoors also provides essential variety, especially with the changeable British weather – this maintains interest and reduces dropout whereas keeping fit indoors is more predictable.”
The study, conducted by Shock Absorber, the UK’s leading sports bra brand, reveals the benefits of the Great Outdoors are more than financial. More than a third of women felt they achieved a better workout because they were inspired by the surroundings and half love the fresh air.
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Tags:
- exercise ,
- fitness ,
- gym ,
- health ,
- shock absorber
