Dr. Sam Sukkar - August/September 2023

Where You Exercise Matters WHY OUTDOOR MOVEMENT IS BETTER

We all know exercise is good for our physical and mental health. But whether we’re going on a jog through nature or clocking minutes on a treadmill, it’s all the same — right? A recent study suggests there may be a crucial difference. Mounting evidence suggests that where you exercise matters. A small study from the University of Victoria recently researched the benefits of “green exercise,” or exercise performed in nature. The authors of the 2023 paper found that physical activity in natural surroundings had benefits beyond those generally associated with movement. Study participants who went on 15-minute walks outside saw improvements in memory and concentration more significantly than when they performed the same exercise indoors. Neuroscientists behind the research can only guess why these results occurred. Some experts believe being out in nature helps us relax and quiet our

brains. Additional research also demonstrates that people generally find outdoor exercise less physically taxing than indoor varieties — even when the outdoor exercise is quite strenuous. These findings confirm something you may have already suspected to be true. You probably feel better after a bike ride through the park than spending the same time on a stationary bike in your basement. Exercise on gym equipment can also be tedious, and many people spend the bulk of their time staring at the clock, counting down the minutes until they’re finished. We’re less likely to have that problem outside. Unsurprisingly, doctors argue that any physical activity is better than none. Using gym equipment will provide far more benefits than sitting on your couch. But when you have the option to exercise outdoors, you should take it. Just remember that all outdoor

exercise is not created equal. The Washington Post reports that outdoor activity in urban areas surrounded by concrete does not appear to have the same benefits as exercise in quieter, greener places. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to see an impact. From a mental health perspective, 15 minutes of green exercise at a time seems to be ideal. So, get out as much as you can. And when you’re stuck inside due to weather or other circumstances, continue to make the most of it with as much exercise as possible.

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