What are the Benefits of Running Outdoors?
words Alexa Wang  Running is one of the best forms of exercise to keep you in shape. Besides improving your cardiovascular health, your legs, glutes, and core are being pushed to their limits and you build on muscular endurance each progressively challenging run. Whether its hopping on the treadmill or being outdoors, running is cheap and versatile. However, there are slight differences between those two scenarios. While I personally use the treadmill, I do enjoy running outdoors occasionally. In this article, well take a look at four benefits of outdoor running why you may want to consider including it in your fitness routine. Exposure to sunlight is thought to trigger the release of serotonin in your brain. This hormone is responsible for stabilizing ones mood and generally increase happiness. Lace-up, put the music on, and hit the pavement! However, while you absorb all that suns glory, be sure to wear adequate sunblock to protect your skin from the harms of prolonged UV damage. Your eyes are just as exposed and often dont get enough attention. The best running sunglasses have UV protection for this purpose. Besides improving your mood, when your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed in calcium absorption and helps you maintain strong bones and improved gut health. Fresh Air  Not all gyms are equipped with good HVAC systems because they are often expensive to run. As everyone else around you is exhaling, they are releasing carbon dioxide and other gaseous waste. With poor air circulation, you may be inhaling a fair dose of this concoction. While this isnt life-threatening for most people, it can induce a feeling of nausea and premature fatigue. People who already have respiratory issues might experience some nasal congestion. This build-up of stale air can really dampen your mental and athletic performance. When you are running, you need that constant dose of fresh, high-quality air to ensure your muscles (and brain) get enough oxygen to dispose of all that lactic acid in your muscles effectively. If you live in the city and dont have quick access to nature trails, your best bet would be going to the parks to minimize inhaling the soot from vehicles. Also, its probably the best way to avoid catching COVID-19 in the gym! Reduces the chance of injury  When youre running outdoors, the pavement or trails are never a smooth, even surface like the treadmill platform. And this isnt a bad thing, either. Overuse injuries from running are fairly common. This is when there is damage to your tissues from repetitive, demanding activities over time. Since the treadmill is flat, youre putting constant stress on the same joints and muscles. With outdoor running, youre always changing directions, jumping over potholes, and buzzing through various, random elevations. This changes the movement patterns of your joints and in short, may greatly reduce the chances of overuse injury. Tests your fortitude  While most people loathe the idea of running in the rain, snow, and harsh wind, some people enjoy it. It is a great way to gauge your willpower and determination when the conditions arent right for running. Personally, I dread the thought of it. But once my gears get going and the music is right, I feel unstoppable and get a kick out of every gust of biting wind coming my way! There are many ways to step out of your comfort zone. I just find lacing up and running the quickest method.