{"id":14031,"date":"2026-07-27T18:47:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T18:47:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=14031"},"modified":"2026-07-27T19:00:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T19:00:58","slug":"want-to-reduce-stress-think-outside-the-gym","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2026\/07\/27\/want-to-reduce-stress-think-outside-the-gym\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to Reduce Stress? Think Outside the Gym"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Summer is the perfect time to step outside and get moving. Whether it’s a walk through your neighborhood, a bike ride, gardening, swimming, or simply stretching in the backyard, spending time outdoors can benefit far more than your physical fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Low-impact movement is beneficial to both mental and physical health because it encourages consistent activity without placing excessive stress on the joints and muscles,” says Stanislav Borodyansky, PA-C, MMS<\/a>, a sports medicine physician assistant at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>. “Outdoor activities are important for people of all ages because they combine the physical benefits of exercise with the mental health benefits of connecting with nature.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or simply looking for an easy way to become more active, here are some of the many reasons to take your workout outside this summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Take Your Workout Outside? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that exercising outdoors may help reduce stress, boost mood, improve focus, and increase energy \u2013 all while supporting heart health, muscle strength, bone health, and overall well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefit #1: Reconnect With Nature <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Exercise isn’t the only benefit of getting outside. Spending time in green spaces can lower stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and help people feel calmer and more refreshed. It also encourages mindfulness and provides a welcome break from screens and everyday distractions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try it:<\/strong> Take a walk through a local park or spend some time gardening or working in the yard. Walking improves cardiovascular health and strengthens muscles, while gardening can improve flexibility, balance, and strength through activities like digging, planting, and weeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefit #2: Soak Up Some Sun (Vitamin D) <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Spending time outdoors exposes your skin to sunlight, helping your body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, muscle function, and immune health. Just remember that it doesn’t take long to get the benefit from the sun.  Avoid sunburns from prolonged sun exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try it:<\/strong> Take your usual workout outside. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, resistance band exercises, or light weights, simply changing your scenery can help you enjoy the benefits of sunshine while staying active. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefit #3: Challenge Your Body in New Ways <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike treadmills or indoor gyms, outdoor environments are constantly changing. Hills, grass, trails, and even changing weather require your muscles to work differently, improving balance, coordination, stability, and overall fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHiking is a great way to engage muscles in your lower body, which helps improve stability and balance,” Stanislav says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try it:<\/strong> Explore a new hiking trail or try paddleboarding or kayaking. These activities work different muscle groups while turning your workout into an adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefit #4: Wake Up Your Mind and Body<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The time at which you exercise can be just as important as how<\/em> you exercise. Morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, supporting healthy sleep, boosting alertness, and increasing energy throughout the day. Starting your day outdoors may also improve focus and help you feel more refreshed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try it: <\/strong>Start your morning with a walk, bike ride, or another favorite outdoor activity. Even 20 to 30 minutes of movement in natural daylight can help increase energy, improve focus, and help you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefit #5: Make Fitness Fun<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to stick with an exercise routine is finding activities you enjoy. Summer is the perfect time to try something new, spend time with family and friends (or enjoy some quiet moments alone), or discover ways to make movement feel less like a workout.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try It: <\/strong>Meet a friend for a game of tennis or pickleball, join an outdoor fitness class, or organize a family bike ride. Exercising with others adds accountability while making physical activity more fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Avoid Injury While Exercising Outdoors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re trying a new activity or getting back into an exercise routine, a few simple precautions can help you stay safe and reduce your risk of injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n