Stepping OUT

If there’s one thing we can all appreciate now more than ever, it’s the feel of sunshine on our faces, fresh air in our lungs and, if possible, a walk with a view.

While taking off on a 5k run might not be your idea of heaven, even a 10-minute walk a day can improve your mood and heart health.

Lockdown has revealed a new side to fitness, with gyms, trainers and teachers adapting to offer virtual sessions.

They’ve given many of us a chance to try something new, without the commitment of visiting a class, but it does miss the personal touch.

Personal trainer Sarah Overall, who specialises in outdoor exercise, says: “Doing my classes online was fine for a while but nothing beats the fresh air – even if it’s raining!

“You get more vitamin D, improved strength and a bigger calorie burn, as well as an improved immune system, with options for every age and fitness level. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a decent pair of trainers.”

WELLBEING

It’s not all about physical benefits, though. University of Essex research for mental health charity Mind found that 94% of people who took part in outdoor exercise felt they benefited from an improved sense of wellbeing. Mind’s head of physical activity Hayley Jarvis says: “Colours, sounds and smells we find outdoors stimulate our senses in a different way and can boost our mood.

“Getting into a relaxing outside space can allow us to switch off from everyday pressures, relieve stress and clear our heads.”

And if you’ve put on a few pounds, now’s a perfect time to take advantage of the good weather and get in shape.

Tim Rogers, of healthy active living website realbuzz. com, says: “The most important thing is to set yourself a goal, no matter how small. Think about doing something fun – go out for a walk and do a few star jumps along the way, take the kids into a town centre and use scooters to get around, or explore sports or games you’ve not done for years like rounders or frisbee.

“Anything that increases your heart rate will be a mood changer, and the impact on your mental and physical health will be dramatic.”

Psychotherapist and author of Ten to Zen Owen O’Kane adds: “The benefits of getting outdoors are indisputable. Every major study highlights reduction in anxiety and improvement in wellbeing.”

We can now explore the outdoors whenever we like, it feels incredible, and now’s the time to make the most of it.