Bootcamp UK tells us how good outdoor exercise can be for instructors and participants

While some of our instructors took their classes outside last year, one of our new member organisations, Bootcamp UK, outlines some of the additional benefits that exercising outdoors can bring to both instructors and class participants.

“There’s something about training outdoors that just makes you feel good. Maybe it’s the fresh air or the sunlight, but working out in nature always seems to be more refreshing and invigorating. While it may not be as comfortable as staying indoors, there are a lot of benefits to outdoor training. So, if you’re looking for a way to switch up your routines and add some variety, here are five reasons why you should give outdoor delivery a try!

Fresh air and sunshine while you work out

Outdoor exercise can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get the blood circulating. It is now known that exercise outside improves heart rate, blood pressure and even helps reduce those pesky sore muscles. The fresh air will fill your lungs, giving you more energy for the rest of your day. Outdoor training is a great way for participants to get in shape, for example in a group training Bootcamp.

Some of the other proven benefits of fresh air and sunshine include:

  • Increased vitamin D levels
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved liver function
  • Increased metabolism
  • Greater energy levels
  • Strengthened immune system

Experience increased weight loss

It’s no secret that getting into shape takes hard work and dedication. But what if there was an easier way? Believe it or not, your surroundings can significantly impact your workouts. Outdoor training can help with weight loss because it burns more calories than indoor workouts. Why is this? Well, it’s all to do with an improved internal gas exchange rate between oxygen and carbon dioxide, meaning the body is working harder and burning more calories – even when putting in the same amount of effort!

You can train outside year-round – even in cold weather!

You probably think of the gym or community space as the best place to deliver your classes, but what if there were another option – one that was cheaper, more fun, and offered a more comprehensive range of benefits? Believe it or not, there is – outdoor training.  Just be sure everyone dresses appropriately to stay warm and comfortable during your session. With suitable clothing, there’s no need to avoid outdoor exercise, which means getting to experience all four seasons.

 Increased physical activity and improved mental health

Outdoor exercise has been proven to reduce stress levels by boosting serotonin production and reducing cortisol (the hormone related to stress) levels in the body. Not only this, but it can help people who suffer from conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) through the winter months by ensuring exposure to enough sunlight whilst exercising.

Being around nature has been proven to benefit mental health, improving conditions such as depression, anxiety or stress. This type of exercise has been coined green exercise and includes any activity done in a natural environment – from walking in the country to tai chi by the lake in the park.

Help your participants feel strong and accomplished after finishing a workout outside

Many people feel stronger and more accomplished after finishing an exercise session outdoors compared to an indoor exercise class. Seeing the benefits unfold over time – increased endurance and tolerance levels – will feel like the best reward, and once you’ve done it, your participants will thank you for getting outdoors instead of staying inside all day long.

Share the benefits of outdoor training

Outdoor training has several benefits that we’ve outlined in this post. The fresh air and sunshine will give the opportunity to experience increased weight loss, whilst also boosting physical activity levels and improving mental health. It’s possible to train outside all year round – even in cold weather! Completing an outdoor workout will help your class feel stronger and more accomplished with what they’ve achieved through their hard work.

We hope these benefits have convinced you to try some outdoor group exercise sessions. Who knows? You and your participants might find it so enjoyable that it becomes part of your regular offering.

If this sounds like something you could benefit from (or if it’s already your goal), why not upload your outdoor classes onto classfinder so participants can search for classes in their locality.

Worried about insurance cover for outdoor activities?  All our membership packages include insurance cover for teaching classes outside, but you may need to seek the landowner’s permission to hold your classes.