Benefits of Outdoor "Green" Exercise
Nothing beats getting outside and being active. You've probably experienced improvements in mood and focus after spending time outdoors. Whether gardening, hiking, running or cycling outdoors time goes faster, your performance improves and there's a sense of exhilaration. Now research supports the positive outcomes of outdoor activity, also known as "green exercise." This can range from pain relief, improved mood, less fatigue with the same amount of exertion and better sleep.
Part of this is based on the Japanese-based therapy called "Forest bathing" also known as "Shinrin-Yoku". Forest bathing is defined as a slow mindful walk through the forest promoting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and natural environments.
- Notable Benefits of Outdoor Activities - Improvements to cardiovascular health (e.g. lowing blood pressure), immune responses, , sleep quality, mood and concentration. Performance improvements include less fatigue with the same amount of effort, reduced pain, and enhanced balance and reaction time.
- Putting it into Practice - Translate typical gym exercises into outdoor experiences. Here are a few suggestions.
- Treadmill vs. running, hiking and walking outside on trails or in parks.
- Elliptical vs. climbing hills, mountains or outdoor steps.
- Stationary bike vs. cycling outside on bike trails or off-road mountain biking.
- Rowing machine vs. kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Indoor yoga vs. yoga in the park, on the beach or on a paddle board.
- Weight training vs. using benches, inclines and/or logs for strength training. Alternatively, you could creatively use children's playground equipment (when not in use by other children) or parcourse equipment often found in parks and walking trails. Not to be confused with parkour, another type of advanced exercise for those who are fit for such activity.
Get outside and find your happy activity!
Additional Resources on Green Exercise:
If you're looking for an individualized approach to improving your life, from healthier food swaps, to ways to burn additional calories, eat well for the planet and incorporate "green exercise" into your routine, contact Sheri. Happy Earth Day!
FITNESS/NUTRITION in the NEWSProbiotics and Your Brain
The growing interest in the gut-brain axis has led to an increase in probiotic products marketed for mental health and
well-being. While probiotics have demonstrated potential benefits in changing the gut microbiome and influencing
brain function, the health claims made by commercial probiotic products is uncertain. Many of the studies have been small sample sizes and unclear about the specific probiotic strains that provide the mental health benefits. More research is needed on probiotics and effects on emotional health. Meanwhile, continue have probiotics from foods like yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods for their nutritional benefits.
Sheri is a Certified
Nutritionist
with a master's degree in nutrition, with over 15 years of clinical counseling
experience, an ACE-certified Personal
Trainer with advanced certifications in medical exercise, senior fitness and health coaching. All nutrition consultations include exercise guidance, dietary
analysis and meal plans to meet your individual lifestyle, calorie and nutritional needs.
Free introductory 15-minute appointments are also
available.
To schedule an appointment with Sheri Mar, email:
info@EatWellBeFit.com or call or text: 206.789.6440
Do you have a nutrition topic for the month?
Email your suggestions to info@eatwellbefit.com
|
