By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist
As warmer weather begins to make a more steady appearance in the coming weeks, it’s more inviting to get involved in outdoor activities. Moving activities outside during nice, sunny weather has several positive health benefits. Outdoor exercise has been associated with increased energy and revitalization, as well as decreased feelings of confusion, anger, depression and tension when compared to being indoors. Studies have shown that people are also more likely to stick with and repeat outdoor activity compared to exercising indoors.
While overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays should be avoided, it shouldn’t stop you from moving your activities outside. Exposure to the sun does have its benefits, as long as it’s in moderation. When the sun hits your skin, it creates vitamin D3, which is important to bone health and metabolic function. The increased production of Vitamin D from sun exposure has also been linked to sleeping better at night.
Still, you should take several precautions when you know you’re going to be active outside for a prolonged period of time. First and foremost, make sure you’re using sunscreen. Clothes don’t always provide enough coverage and sunscreen will help you avoid over-exposure. Pay attention to the weather forecasts and heat alerts if you’re going to be outside. Try to exercise in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler. It can take up to two weeks for you to acclimate to the warmer, more humid weather after a cold winter and spring, so keep this in mind when transitioning your workout from indoors to outdoors. Once your body starts to adapt to the changing temperature, gradually increase your workout intensity and duration.
Remember to hydrate—even if you aren’t thirsty. Set yourself up for a healthy workout by making an effort to ingest plenty of water, carbohydrates and electrolytes before, during and after your workout. If you feel tired or dizzy, or have a headache, be sure to drink water and reduce your workout effort.
Want to avoid the outdoor heat while you exercise? We’ve got plenty of indoor fitness and aquatic classes at Riverview Health Rehab & Fitness >>