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Green exercise is any physical activity done outdoors while surrounded by the beauty of nature. You are engaged in green exercise if you hike up a mountain, run on the beach or ride your bike along a water view path. Science shows that green exercise helps to reduce stress and increase health.
Abandoning the Gym for the Green
The advantage of green exercise is that you don’t have to join a gym. You can simply walk around your tree-filled neighborhood or drive to a scenic location near your home. Green exercise can also be done with your friends, relatives and colleagues. Swimming in a lake or even gardening in your backyard can constitute a form of green exercise.
Green Exercise and Mental Health
According to research, green exercise boosts the mood, reduces stress and enhances a feeling of well-being. Being near a body of water, such a lake, beach or river has also proven to have extensive soothing effects.
Implications of Green Exercise for Health
The findings about green exercise are an encouragement for mental health professionals, teachers, fitness coaches and all others who guide people to better health to make recommendations that involve outdoor exercise.
Green Exercise and City Life
If you live in a city, it may be challenging to find ideal spots for green exercise. Seek out city parks and consider taking a regular drive out to the suburbs or on fun getaways. The benefits of green exercise are extensive enough that it’s worthwhile to make an effort on an ongoing basis to breathe fresh air, see beautiful scenery and burn some calories in the process.
