Exercise outdoors does much more than just tone muscle and improve cardio. A recent study released by the University of Essex Department of Biological Sciences and published in Environmental Science & Technology shows an improvement in self-esteem and mood when participants conducted green exercise. The study classifies as activity in the presence of nature. This can be in a field or park, woods, or near water.
It’s summer. Get out of the gym and take to the outdoors. Go for a run, ride your bike, swim. In the summer I like to take advantage of yoga classes outdoors and feel a great lift with a particular class on the Hudson at sundown I don’t get from sweating it out indoors. Look up activities and outdoor classes at your local parks department Web site and see how you can improve your mood this summer.