By Gemma Needham

As residents of Singapore, we are lucky enough to live in the ‘Garden City’, surrounded by parks, gardens, reservoirs and coastlines – it really is perfect! However, despite the green beauty around us, with Singapore’s climate, it’s often tempting to choose an indoor workout to avoid the heat and humidity. But, by doing so, you are missing out on the many positive benefits to exercising outdoors, commonly known as “Green Exercise”.

Exercising outdoors allows us to reconnect with nature, while at the same time providing numerous benefits for our bodies. Think of green exercise as a “mental massage”; you allow your mind to turn off from all the modern-day stress, helping to restore your energy and concentration, all whist getting your sweat on and burning calories amongst beautiful scenery.

Here’s our top reasons for choosing to exercise outdoors:

1. IMPROVES YOUR MOOD:

Outdoor exercise has been associated with a greater decrease in tension, confusion, anger and depression. Studies have shown that doing physical activity outside has a 50% greater positive effect on mental health than going to a gym. So just 5 minutes of exercise in a green space can improve your mood and self-esteem.

2. BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Exercising amongst the grass, trees, and in the fresh air, acts as a natural stimulus for your body to protect itself from disease. Your body reacts by building up its immunity against these stimuli, helping to keep you stronger and healthier.

3. INCREASES YOUR VITAMIN D LEVELS:

The sun is an excellent source of natural Vitamin D. A lack of Vitamin D can lead to brittle bones, osteoporosis, and rickets. Low levels have also been linked to an increased risk of auto-immune diseases, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and depression.

4. BURNS MORE CALORIES:

Working out in a climate controlled (internal) environment is a lot less impactful for us than working out in an (external) environment. Exercising outdoors has higher temperatures, along with uneven terrain, so you need to work harder to maintain gait, balance and regulate your body temperature.

5. LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE:

The constant change of scenery that exercising outdoors provides adds variety and fun to your workouts. Therefore, you are more likely to stick with it as you will associate greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement by getting your sweat on in the beautiful parks and gardens of Singapore.

So what are you waiting for? Get outdoors, get fit, and experience the beauty that Singapore has to offer. Join us at out next class: www.momentumbootcamps.com/our-classes/