Two people walking on trail using nordic poles

Benefits of Outdoor Walking: 6 Reasons to Stick to it

Active walking can be done at any time, anywhere and offers a wide range of health benefits! Find out all about it. In association with Red January.

Walking outdoors is a simple, free and accessible way to up your fitness and boost your mental health without worrying about sporting gear, a gym membership or the risk of injury. Integrating a 30-minute walk into your day-to-day life can build your stamina, burn calories and improve your overall fitness.

Find our breakdown of all the benefits of outdoor walking below.

Walking Outdoors

1. Total Decompression

It has been scientifically proven that practising outdoor sports generates positive thoughts and limits the adverse effects of stress on the body.

So what are you waiting for? Get outside! Embrace the outdoors; whether for nature, wildlife or scenery, it’s time to disconnect from your 9-5 and the noise pollution you’ve become all too used to. Walking is a great way to reconnect with nature and unwind.

The best way? Walk in the morning to prime your physical and mental energy for facing the day ahead.

2. Fresh Air: A Real Burst Of Oxygen

When you go outside, you breathe in fresh air, improving your body's oxygenation. This means you're causing oxygen to travel faster through your bloodstream, helping to eliminate waste products more efficiently and boosting your energy levels.

Additionally, you'll learn to breathe properly; as you increase the number of outings, your lung capacity will also increase.

3. Active Walking In The Sun: A Dose Of Vitamin D

Walking outdoors also gives you all the benefits of natural light and its contribution to your body's health.

Whether you're walking in fair weather or foul, your body will get its daily dose of vitamin D. Also known as the "sunshine vitamin", vitamin D boosts your cardiovascular system and strengthens your bones. A genuinely natural light-therapy session!

4. Active Walking In The Sun: A Dose Of Vitamin D

During your active walking session, when you are at your physical peak, your body naturally secretes endorphins, also known as happy hormones.

Walking also produces serotonin, the pleasure hormone. If you’re spending more time in the sunlight, your body secretes more serotonin, which means a walk outdoors is bound to pick up your mood!

5. Uneven Terrain: Works the Muscles

Unlike in the gym, nature offers a varied walking terrain, keeping things interesting.

Use these irregularities to your benefit; the uphill and downhill stretches will vary your walk and physical efforts.

You will tone your lower body, including your calves and thigh muscles!

6. Get Exploring: Routine Goes Out Of The Window

Changing your environment regularly (park, forest, lake, etc.) stops you from falling into an uninspiring routine. By always treading the same path or running on the spot on your treadmill, you will find yourself less motivated to practise sport and gradually lose your enthusiasm.

By varying your outdoor active walking sessions, you will foster your motivation and be more likely to stick to it over the long term, whatever the weather!

Our #MoveYourMind Initiative with Red January

So what is Red January and what does Red January stand for? Red Jan is a nationwide movement that empowers mental wellbeing through physical activity. It’s a community-led initiative to promote getting active during a time of year when we are more likely to struggle with mental health. Kick the new year off right and register for Red January 2023.