| The average person spends 90 percent of their time | | | | environments such as in the mountains, on beaches |
| indoors. We recommend you save your indoor | | | | and near waterfalls. Once these negative ions reach |
| workouts for inclement weather and step outside | | | | the bloodstream, they are believed to produce |
| whenever you can for the wellness benefits that | | | | biochemical reactions that increase levels of the |
| come “naturally” when you exercise | | | | mood chemical serotonin, helping to lift the spirit, |
| outdoors. | | | | relieve stress, boost daytime energy, increase fitness |
| Changes in Terrain | | | | performance and alleviate allergies. |
| The inclines, declines, bumps and ruts of natural | | | | Freedom of Movement |
| terrain (as opposed to flat, man-made surfaces) | | | | Many exercises don’t mimic how we use our |
| mean you need to use a greater variety of muscles; | | | | muscle groups together in real life situations. This |
| running, walking and hiking on grass fields, trails, hills | | | | can lead to imbalances and potential injury. But when |
| and other obstacles give all musculoskeletal parts a | | | | exercising outdoors, we are more likely to do natural, |
| workout. The more muscles used, the more calories | | | | functional exercises that correspond to how we use |
| expended, and the spurts of intensity also maximize | | | | our muscles normally. |
| metabolism. Plus outdoor fitness activity tends to | | | | Fresh Air |
| be more engaging and mentally stimulating due to the | | | | Some health clubs are now charging for oxygen |
| changing surface and scenery. | | | | rooms, but there is no charge for taking in fresh air |
| Vitamin D | | | | or receiving its benefits. Outdoor exercise boosts |
| Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D | | | | your immune system – according to Mayo Clinic, |
| boosts joint and bone health by helping the body | | | | studies show that moderate outdoor exercisers get |
| absorb calcium. Vitamin D is one of the only | | | | 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. |
| vitamins produced naturally by the body. But in | | | | Practical Perks |
| order for the body to produce vitamin D, it has to be | | | | Working out in the out of doors offers a range of |
| exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight. | | | | practical conveniences. Little or no equipment is |
| Generally, an hour per week is sufficient, according to | | | | needed and you can work out anytime and just |
| Vitamin D is known to help prevent cancer, bone | | | | about anywhere (no excuses!). And you can avoid |
| disease, depression and to ward off diabetes, gum | | | | running into irritating people and crowded gyms. |
| disease and multiple sclerosis. (Source: “Top 10 | | | | Best Benefit of All |
| Medical Breakthroughs of 2007,” Time Magazine.) | | | | The invigorating and revitalizing effect of watching a |
| Negative Ions | | | | sunset, walking along the beach, listening to a river |
| Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible | | | | and feeling a fresh breeze on your face . |
| molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain | | | | |