The 5 Biggest Benefits of Exercising in the Sun
With the UK set for a predictably short bout of warm weather this weekend, now's the time to get outside and take advantage of the sunshine.
The benefits of exercising outside might seem obvious, but did you know that there are plenty of science backed reasons to be working out in the sun? In fact, training outdoors has a number of positive effects on both the body and mind.
Want to know exactly what happens when you exercise in the sun and the impact the heat can have on your body? Below, we provide the answers to the question that, sadly, we only have to ask a couple of times a year.
This is what happens when you train it the sun.
5 Things That Happen When You Train in the Sun
Your Health Will Improve
Training under the sun raises your vitamin D levels, giving you more than just a mood boost. 'It supports the immune system and is essential in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium,' says Andy Romero-Birkbeck, founder of We Are Wellbeing. It aids bone health, helps weight loss and is a crucial ally in fending off illness.
Note: Always be careful when exercising in the heat. Make sure you stay hydrated and avoid sunshine during peak hours.
Your Fitness Will Improve
By making your body work harder to keep cool, outdoor training can boost cardio fitness in as little as five days. A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests two theories why: that heat improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues that need it; and that it increases blood flow, causing positive adaptation to our blood vessels.
Your Mood Will Improve
Get up from your desk and go outside at lunchtime. 'Breathing in fresh air improves your ability to think clearly,' explains Romero-Birkbeck, 'as well as helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.' Up the ante with a group or partner workout: 'Exercising with others releases serotonin' – AKA the feel-good hormone.
Your Energy Levels Will Improve
The combination of oxygen and sunshine acts as a kind of muscle Miracle-Gro. Breathing in fresh, outdoor air increases our blood oxygen levels, accelerating muscle repair, explains Romero-Birkbeck. Meanwhile, sunshine has been linked to the production of testosterone. Plus, if your training routine feels stale, taking it outside can help you by firing up your motivation.
Your Attitude to Dieting Will Improve
Making gains in the sun could also help those who struggle not to devour double helpings of their post-workout refuel. To regulate temperature, your body cuts back on digestion, reducing your appetite. 'We’re likely to rehydrate more often, too, and choose foods that complement our training,' Romero-Birkbeck says.
Our Top Outdoor Workouts
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