The Science Behind Exercising in the Sunshine

21 December 2016

There’s nothing as exhilarating as going for a jog on a warm summer’s day.

While any form of exercise is great for your body and your mind, working out in the great outdoors is one of the healthiest ways to get fit. Below, we’ve put together the science behind exercising in the sun.

Feeling good

To some people, there’s nothing more daunting than stepping foot in the gym. While some people enjoy the competitive and focused nature such institutions provide, the ‘social ambience’ of a gym may not be best suited to your personality, whether that’s because of other people or overcrowding. Therefore, stepping out of the gym and exercising wherever you want to is a great way to break the cycle, feel more confident in your abilities and improve your self-esteem.

Oxygen and fresh air                                                                                                                                                              

Exercising in the great outdoors is not only good for your body, but it allows you to enjoy the fresh air – known to give you an energy boost and help you exercise for longer. Instead of being cooped up in a sweaty gym during the warmer months, it makes sense to visit your local park instead.

Soaking up the vitamin D

While we, of course, don’t recommend overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, spending time in the great outdoors is a great way to increase your levels of vitamin D. The vitamin is important for bone health and your metabolic function, and it’s known to help improve your immune system, endorphin production and sleeping pattern – so there really is no excuse not to go outdoors!

Improved mental health

The benefits of regular exercise include increased energy levels, reduced anger and depression and reduced levels of stress, but combining your workout with the sunshine offers additional bonuses. If you are not regularly exposed to the sun, your body can drop in serotonin, which can lead to SAD. Known as seasonal affective disorder, SAD can result in low moods, irritability, weight gain and a loss of energy – so it’s essential that you make the most of the great outdoors to keep your mind happy.

Cancer prevention                                               

While excess sunlight can result in skin cancer, a moderate amount of sunlight is known to prevent this. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer prevention, with colon cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer all linked to a lack of the hormone.

Wherever you are in the country, it’s easy to exercise outdoors and soak up the sun. Try the local beach or nature reserve, or consider one of the weight loss retreats which are offered here at Prestige Boot Camp. Whether you want to unwind in Devon, take in the wonders of Wales or truly soak up the sun in Spain and Portugal, we offer a range of expertly-crafted boot camps to give you a much-needed boost and help you begin the journey to a healthier, happier you.