Parks Victoria in Melbourne had an estimated 35.8 million visitors between 2020 and 2022, a number up by 20% from 2018 and 2019. The reason? Australians have been bitten by the outdoor fitness bug, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Like many other countries around the world, the Australian population’s mental and physical health has been affected as people abided by lockdown regulations and endured over two years of mental and emotional stress.
Outdoor exercise has become a saving grace for many of the country’s inhabitants, providing a scenic environment to gain strength, improve immunity, and decrease stress levels. In a country with such diverse natural environments, outdoor fitness offers a uniquely effective solution for weary Aussies.
Where Are The Best Places To Exercise Outdoors In Australia?
While other national parks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Australia and Greater Sydney Parklands have both reported a spike in the level of outdoor activity over the past year, parks are just one of the many outside locations compatible with outdoor fitness. Any outdoor location that features flat, open surfaces and plenty of room for moving about are ideal for those wanting to get their steps in outside of the gym. However, rocky places like mountains also make great environments for uphill movement and strength training.
The beach offers a flat surface for running or stretching, and the ocean is in close proximity for additional fitness options like swimming, surfing, or water aerobics. Also, soft sand running is a bit harder than regular road running, so it is especially beneficial for those looking for a new challenge. If, like many other Australians, you’ve joined the running community, opting for sand over regular road running is a method you can use to increase resistance and burn more calories for a tougher workout. If you want to exercise outside but prefer to keep things private, your home garden can work just as well.
Nature And Physical Activity Go Hand In Hand
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many people are choosing outdoor fitness methods over indoor ones. Outdoor fitness comes with a host of scientifically proven health benefits that impact the mind and body, such as increased motivation, stress alleviation, and improved respiratory function. Performing your fitness routine outside can significantly enhance its efficacy – and give you a good hit of fresh air and Vitamin D at the same time.
Next time you’re scheduled for some exercise, take it outside. You’ll find out why green fitness is flourishing not just in Australia, but all over the world.
