OPT OUTDOORS – Amazing benefits of exercising outside

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As the days are getting longer and warmer, it’s much easier to find the motivation to get outside and walk, cycle, hike the trails or workout at the park. Taking that initiative to #OPTOUTDOORS may provide even more health benefits than you thought!

Here’s some interesting side effects of exercising in the elements:

1. Exercising outdoors is good for your body AND your mind! One study found that outdoor exercise was associated with increased energy as well as decreased anger and depression as compared to indoor exercise.
2. Exercising outdoors may increase your consistency! Outdoor exercisers reported enjoying their workouts more and said they were more likely to repeat the workouts than those exercising indoors. Another study found subjects reaped more benefits from outdoor workouts and were significantly more likely to adhere to their training programs than those who did their exercise indoors.
3. Exercising outdoors may boost self-esteem! One study found that working out in nature can improve self-esteem Furthermore, researchers found that low-intensity exercise outdoors had the biggest positive effects so you don’t have to go hard to reap the benefits.
4. Exercising outdoors provides the benefits of Vitamin D! Exposure to sunlight is critical to Vitamin D production which is important to our overall health and functioning and can help you sleep better, improve your immunity and increase endorphins – those feel-good hormones!
5. Exercising outdoors can burn more calories and provide more physiological benefits! Running on a treadmill or cycling on a bike is just not the same as doing the real thing. When you have to deal with different terrain, elevation and wind, your body is going to have to work harder!eb

I workout indoors all the time but there’s nothing like fresh mountain or ocean air and beautiful terrain to boost your energy and your immune system. We are fortunate enough to be so close to the Gorge, Mt. St. Helen’s, Mt. Hood, the Coast and numerous parks and trails right here in Clark County.

Hiking/Walking:

You can explore local trails right here in Clark County with minimal elevation but maximum scenery including Lacamas Lake & Round Lake Trail, Battle Ground Lake, Moulton Falls trail, Lewis River Park Trail, Discover/Burnt Bridge Trail, Waterfront Trail & Salmon Creek Trail…the options are endless including amazing Forest Park in Portland!

Biking:

We are fortunate enough to live in an area with various paved trails that allow for great cycling away from traffic including Salmon Creek Trail, Discover/Burnt Bridge Trail, Waterfront Trail, Marine Drive Trail (in Portland extending from 33^rd to 205 Bridge), Spring Water Corridor in Portland, Waterfront Trail loop in downtown Portland (approx. 10 miles on paths) and Banks to Vernonia Paved Trail offers 42 miles round trips of scenic, paved trails away from traffic.

I workout indoors all the time but there’s nothing like fresh mountain or ocean air and beautiful terrain to boost your energy and your immune system. We are fortunate enough to be so close to the Gorge, Mt. St. Helen’s, Mt. Hood, the Coast and numerous parks and trails right here in Clark County. So be sure to dedicate at least 1-2 of your workouts per week outside and enjoy the majestic views and take a moment to be thankful for what a beautiful area we live.

Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan

Note:  As an avid Columbian reader, you can redeem a 2 week pass at her world-class training studio to help get you started.  Contact 360.574.7292 for more details. 

Join us for…..
RUN TO REMEMBER WASHINGTON – Memorial Day Mile, 5k and 10k races!
Saturday May 27th in Downtown Washougal, WA – just across the river from Portland Oregon.
Let us honor the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in our Armed Forces and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom. This Memorial Day Mile and 5k/10k running and walking event on Memorial Day weekend will benefit Battle Buddies, an organization that provides Service Dogs for our Veterans.