There is no doubt about the benefits to your health by exercising outdoors and breathing clean, fresh air. Breathing fresh air provides oxygen which is vital for energy, healthy lung function and the health and reproduction of every cell in your body. This helps with better stress management and food choices which are important to good health, better digestion and natural detox. You feel good, your skin glows, you feel more alive.

Here are 5 good reasons why exercising outdoors is vital to good health:

1. Sun exposure promotes Vitamin D Probably one of the most researched and relevant topics in the media. The current recommended time if exposure to sunlight is 15 minutes per da (if you're staying out longer wear a sunscreen in summer). It is important for bone health, mood, immune efficiency and general good health.
2. Improves immune function Research has shown that exercising in the great outdoors improves immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity. This effect can last up to 30 days leaving you better equipped to fight off infection and help to control inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
3. Limits EMF exposure The indoor environment is a potpourri of EMF’s (electrical magnetic fields). They come from our mobile phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, computers and most buildings electrical wiring. Getting away from all those emissions, and back into nature, where the EMF’s do not exist, can help to reduce their toxic load on your body.
4. Mood enhancing Exercising in natural environments improves emotional and mental wellbeing. It decreases feelings of tension, anxiety and depression and increases self-esteem, energy levels and has a big impact on mood.
5. Good for your heart Walking in nature has the potential to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. It reduces stress hormones adrenalin, noradrenalin and dopamine, reducing sympathetic nerve activity and reducing blood pressure.

There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors. It can be as simple as a walk along the beach, a day in the bush or a simple picnic. Connecting with nature is one of the most satisfying and stress reducing things you can do for your health. It’s free, so why not include it in your day-to-day lifestyle routines.

Janne Ramsay - Naturopath

Janne Ramsay provides her clients with individual exercise recommendations as an integral part of reaching better health, even for improving digestion. For some people it’s as simple as a walk around the block. Do you need some help to get your health back on track? Find out more about Janne here You can book an appointment to see Janne or enrol for her next free Good Health = Good Digestion workshop