Fit Tip: It's Earth Day, Why Exercise Outdoors?

Turns out Nature IS a healer.

That’s right. It’s called, biophilia. The “biophilia effect” is applied to this deep connection we humans have to nature. Semantically, it means "love of life” and the theory states that we are endowed with a genetic link to nature that has evolved from our early human ancestors whose existence and survival were synonymous with the natural environment.

Nature for Health
Evidence for the biophilia effect has been scientifically demonstrated. Research has shown that nature experiences and interaction with the natural elements have a profound effect on our mental performance, self-awareness, vigor, appreciation of others and our environment.

What’s more Outdoor exposure has been shown to be even more beneficial when it is connected to exercise. Levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter closely related to mood, rise when we’re outside. A study at the University of Queensland found that regular outdoor runners were less anxious and depressed than people who ran indoors on a treadmill, and had higher levels of post-exercise endorphins (the feel-good brain chemicals associated with “runner’s high”).

Plus, you do your lungs a favor when you exercise outdoors: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air in the U.S. is three to five times more polluted than outdoor air (meaning on average, the indoor air is 75% more polluted than outdoor air!).


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Fit Tip: Avoid traveling weight gain.

A lot of folks worry about gaining extra pounds while traveling. Due in part to the extra consumption of food and drinks, and lack of regular physical activity and exercise. So, while you're on vacation, make small efforts to compensate and minimize the effect. Do things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator (this really will come in handy,especially if you're on a cruise ship), walking to a local restaurant rather than taking a cab, walking along the beach instead of frying on the sand, and drinking at least 1 glass of water for every margarita that you drink on the beach. Be aware of the small things that you can do to be physically active, even when you are not actually "exercising." And, when in doubt, take a deck of my Travel-Fit fitness playing cards (available through www.liveforitall.com), and take a workout with you, which requires no extra space in your suitcase than a regular playing card deck! (Just try not to turn the fitness card game into a drinking game :)
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Fit Tip: "No one can, or will do it for you..."

Take from it what you wish. Apply it to any aspect of your daily life; taking care of your health, especially: "No one can, or will do it for you." -Abby
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