Working out in the garden vs indoors: tips and benefits
Page Description: Due to an increase in awareness of the benefits of working out, the number of people adding workouts to their daily routine is on the rise. However, some people are confused as to which is better, working out indoors or in outdoor places like gardens. If you are a part of the group of people who are confused as to which is better between indoor workouts and working out in places like gardens, then this is for you. This article highlights the benefits and disadvantages of working out in both places.
Working out in the garden vs indoors
Physical activities like exercise or workouts have been proven to be beneficial to human health and the overall well-being of the body. It stimulates and enhances the vital organs of the body, prevents certain ailments, and helps to manage certain diseases. Whether you are working out indoors or outdoors, the main deal is that you are engaging your body physically, and you are doing it in an environment that is comfortable for you.
When you work out in a garden, you are working out outdoors. This is because outdoor exercise or workouts are done outside the confinement of a room or building. Outdoor workout is beautiful, and it is more beautiful when it is done in the garden. Working out in the garden allows you to enjoy the early morning or evening view of the sky, – these are the best-recommended times for workouts – the scenery of the garden, fresh air, cool breeze, and the therapeutic scents of the flowers and trees around.
In contrast, exercising indoors confines you to a room popularly referred to as a gym. It is often filled with equipment and probably an AC to help cool the place. Working out in a gym is great, especially because that’s where you find fitness instructors who will guide you through your fitness journey.
General tips for workouts
- Set realistic workout goals. Ensure that the goals you set are achievable and measurable.
- Be consistent. 1,2, 3, and 4 show consistency, and so does 2,4,6, and 8. You mustn’t do things the way others are doing them, but be deliberate and keep taking your small steps regularly because that’s the only way through which you can get results.
- Drink enough water before, during, and after workouts to prevent dehydration. Exercising brings about sweating which causes us to lose water. If you don’t drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration which can result in other forms of diseases.
- Warm up before every session, especially if you are just starting. Warming up charges the body and prepares it ahead for what is about to come. It’ll help mobilize, and reduce the impact of the exercise on the body parts.
- Work out with a friend. Exercising with someone you are familiar with or comfortable around will motivate you and help you relax your nerves.
- Eat healthy foods. The fitness journey is never complete without a healthy diet plan to complement it. Alternate between low-carb and high-carb foods, and eat enough fruits regularly.
- Listen to music. Listening to music, especially your favorite playlist while working out can serve as a motivating factor. Studies have it that listening to music enhances the secretion of dopamine and serotonin which aids in movement, coordination, and the regulation of other body activities.
Benefits of outdoor workout
1. It is cost-free
No one will charge you for working out in a garden or anywhere outdoors. You don’t need any membership card or ticket nor do you have restrictions or rules to follow before you can exercise. All you need to do is prepare, step out of the house, and enjoy a good moment.
2. It enhances the mood
Nature’s view is refreshing and relaxing. The fresh air outside is therapeutic, and so is the scent of the leaves and flowers around you. You also enjoy the view of the sky as the sun rises or sets. Exercising in such a beautiful, comfortable, and peaceful environment increases positivity, boosts energy levels, and helps to improve our mood.
3. It ensures Vitamin D intake
Exercising in the garden or any other place outside, especially in the morning, exposes our skin to Vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, leading to strong bones and teeth.
4. It improves mental health
The positivity and burst of energy gotten during outdoor activities help to diffuse anger, ease tension and anxiety and help to dissipate negative emotions. Studies also show that outdoor exercises or workouts help to cure depression; people who exercised outdoors showed more positive attitudes.
5. It provides a variety of exercises to try out
When working out outdoors, you have a variety of exercises like jogging, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, dancing, outdoor yoga, and paddling, amongst others to try out. You have enough space to try out different things, and would not be limited to a set of exercises.
6. It is fun!
Outdoor workouts aren’t rigid. They are opportunities to have fun and bond with loved ones. Outdoor workouts also present opportunities to create sweet memories with your friends and loved ones and test the boundaries of your strength.
Disadvantages of outdoor workout
1. Weather limitations
We can’t always predict the weather. Rainy, very sunny, snowy, or cloudy weather could disrupt workout routines. Working out outdoors when it’s raining, snowing, or sunny can lead to flu, cold, and sunburn.
2. Exposure to Allergies
Working out outdoors, especially in the garden, exposes you to pollutants and allergens such as dust and pollen. Inhaling these things can lead to allergic reactions or other health problems.
Benefits of working out indoor
- Independent of weather: Indoor workouts protect you from harsh weather conditions, and give no room for weather-related excuses. Also, you’ll not suffer from diseases caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions.
- Prevent contact with allergens: Working out in a gym prevents you from coming in contact with pollutants, allergens, and pollen.
- Get training and guidance from a fitness instructor: Most fitness instructors or coaches are only available in gyms. So, working out in gyms allows you to be groomed and guided by an expert in the fitness industry.
- Controlled activities: Most indoor activities are regulated by a fitness coach or instructors, leading to higher chances of achieving fitness goals.
- Availability of equipment: The gym provides heavy fitness equipment that cannot be found outside. Working out allows you to try out different exercises that are beneficial.
- Creates an avenue for socialization: exercising in a gym, especially one that is open to the public, allows you to meet people with the same goal and vision and can serve as a form of motivation.
Disadvantages of indoor workout
1. Might be expensive
First, it is important to note that indoor exercise isn’t free unless you have a personal gym. You have to get a membership if you are using public gyms, and the membership for quality gym houses is pricey.
2. Can be crowded
Most gyms are public gyms, which means that they might be crowded. If you have issues staying around a crowd of people, then indoor workouts aren’t for you. The only exception here is if you have a personal gym in your house.
3. Unavailability of fresh air or natural scenery to enjoy
When working out indoors, you don’t get to enjoy nature’s view and cool breeze. Indoor workout rooms or spaces are equipped with air conditioners that help to circulate cool air and not fresh air. So, if you love nature, and would love to enjoy her beauty during workouts, then indoor exercise might not be for you.
4. There is no intake of Vitamin D
Most of the time, we run away from the sun and it is only when we work out outdoors that we are opportune to feel the morning sun on our skin. Working out indoors doesn’t give us the opportunity of tapping into nature’s blessing of Vitamin D.
Is gardening part of working out?
Yes, gardening is part of working out. Studies recommend gardening for 30 to 50 minutes, as it helps to burn up to 300 calories daily. Gardening activities such as digging, picking up flowers, raking, hoeing, mulching, sowing, harvesting, watering, planting, and transplanting can serve as medium-intensity to high-intensity workouts. They help to flex the muscles of the neck, arms, buttocks, back, shoulders, legs, and abdomen.
The main idea of working out is to engage in physical activities, keep fit, and maintain fitness. Gardening activities engage our bodies and can help us burn calories. So, feel free to do more gardening if you are more comfortable doing it instead of doing conventional indoor or outdoor exercise.
Conclusion
There’s a flip side to everything, meaning that everything that has an advantage has a disadvantage. If you were confused about choosing indoor or outdoor workouts, now you know their benefits and disadvantages. The choice is yours. Weigh both choices and settle for the one that is more comfortable for you. You can also choose to alternate between the both of them.
References
EXERCISE OUTDOORS VS TRAINING INDOORS? THE PROS AND CONS
TOP 10 TIPS FOR EXERCISE BEGINNERS
Indoor vs. Outdoor Fitness: What’s Better?
Exercise in the park or gym? Which is better?
13 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout, According to Research