Spring into Action!

Now that the cold is gone, throw away that treadmill (if you can lift one, this doesn't apply to you) and grab your running shoes. It's time to take your workout outdoors. If you are not a runner, grab your yoga mat and start yoga-ing.

Why should you go outside when the gym works perfectly fine?

One word, well technically two, Vitamin D! Your health can improve from sunlight. You get a boost of vitamin D through sun exposure can result in relief from anxiety, depression and help you fight against illnesses. About 40% of men and women in the United States are Vitamin D deficient. The solution can be as easy as spending 20 minutes in the park.

You can improve your vision and focus by spending time outdoors. Let's face it, many of us spend a lot of time staring at our screens. Computer Vision Syndrome affects our vision, alertness, and ability to focus for extended periods. Spending time outdoors can improve your headaches, blurred vision, or double vision, and improve your focus.

Improve your breathing by clearing your lungs with fresh air. I do not know about you, but if I try taking a deep breath indoors, everything I should have been doing a(n) hour, day, week, or month before somehow gets trapped in my airway. When you take a deep breath outside, your airways clear and make you feel much more energized.

Boost mental health and improve your mood by spending time in nature. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol are harmful to your body. When you spend more time in natural areas versus suburban areas, your mental health improves..

When you add physical activity to nature, the results are incredible and you get to experience many health benefits. Some include:

• Mental Health boost

• Stress Relief

• Getting Fresh Air

• Easily Accessible, i.e. No membership fees

• Burn More Calories

• Enhances Self-Esteem

• Vitamin D

Take your workout outside and enjoy all the benefits!