Why Trainers Should Encourage Their Clients to Exercise Outdoors
There are many advantages a commercial gym has to offer over exercising outdoors, like access to state-of-the-art equipment. However, implementing some outdoor training days for clients is worth considering to help them achieve a sound mind and better physical results.
Here are just a few of the benefits to working out outdoors and why you should encourage your clients to take their workout outside:
It’s Good for the Mind
Exercising outside ca
n have positive effects on your mood and energy levels, which can lead to more consistent workouts. Studies have also shown that regular outdoor activity can decrease feelings of depression, anger, and tension – all of which can lead to a higher self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Outdoor work outs can also encourage positivity and confidence. Studies have also shown that those exercising outdoors are more likely to stick with their exercise program longer than those exercising indoors. This may set the precedent of better workouts and increased results.
Get a Boost of Vitamin D
Bringing exercise outdoors is a great way to increase Vitamin D levels, especially for those Americans who are deficient. Vitamin D is an important part of body functions, so it’s crucial that we get enough. Some benefits of Vitamin D include:
- Increased immune system function
- Increased bone density
- Helps many metabolic processes
- Decreases depression
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
So try to get clients outside for at least 20 minutes a day of sun exposure to get a Vitamin D fix. Just remember to have them slather on the sunscreen to avoid sunburns and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Changing Terrain Provides Additional Challenge
Another benefit of exercising outdoors is the variety of terrain and the challenge it brings. When going for a hike or run outdoors, clients may not know what terrain to expect. The constantly changing environment keeps the body adapting to the challenging stressors it is facing. When exercising on various surfaces and terrains, it can also help avoid overuse injuries and develop stronger muscles and connective tissue. This terrain change also affords you the opportunity to vary your client’s activity. For instance, you can encourage them sprint up any hills they face and walk or jog the rest. This makeshift HIIT training will also help preserve muscle mass and burn more calories.
Clients Will Work Harder
Because of the reported positive attitude and revitalized feeling that is associated with outdoor exercise, your clients will likely push themselves harder than you would in an indoor setting. This will likely cause you to see better long term results. Along with this fact, one may consider the effect of wind. While running into a headwind, you will have to work much harder than running with a tailwind. Overall, this will cause you to burn more calories and work harder without thinking about working harder.
As you can see, there are many reasons outdoor workouts are a great supplement for time in the gym. So when it’s gorgeous outside this spring, take advantage of it and move your workout outdoors!