Spring is finally here! As the grass begins to green and flowers poke through the dirt, we emerge as well. It’s the best time of year to be active in all that nature has to offer!

A fantastic way to enjoy the spring weather is to get outside for a walk. Any type of walking benefits our bodies with increased heart health, joint & bone support, weight management, and a mental health boost, but walking outside has added perks as well.

Being out in the fresh air exposes us to natural vitamin D and phytoncides from plants, which boost our immunity and lower stress. The sunlight also increases serotonin levels along with dopamine and other natural chemicals, which supports and balances mood and reduces anxiety and depression. They also work as a natural stress reliever. New experiences—even something as simple as being in a different environment while working out—triggers the brain’s reward system and makes us feel happier, calmer, and more confident.

Other benefits from walking outside include:

·         More Challenge for Your Body— Hills, uneven walkways, resistance, and the varying intensity levels you encounter outside works more of your stabilizer muscles and increases heart rate and oxygen uptake more than walking on exercise equipment or solid flooring.

·         Greater Calorie Burn— As the body adjusts to varying temperatures and processes more stimuli from the open space, fresh air, sunlight, sounds, etc., the body naturally burns more calories.

·         Helps Regulate Blood Sugar— For an even higher blood sugar regulation benefit, take a walk within 10 minutes after a meal.

·         Boosts Cognitive Performance— All exercise is good for your brain, but some research shows that movement outdoors in nature produces higher cognitive performance than doing the same activity indoors.

·         Balance & Fall Protection— Weight-bearing exercises like walking helps bones stay healthy and slows bone loss. It also keeps joints moving and muscles flexible. All things important to maintaining strong bodies and reducing the likelihood of falls as we age.

·         Improves Sleep— The natural light combined with movement works to balance the body’s circadian rhythm and regulates sleep and digestion. This benefit increases when walking outside in the morning.

·         Adjusts to Any Fitness Level— Walking outdoors can easily be adjusted to allow for a more challenging or gentler workout at any time—all depending on how your body feels that day.