Exercise – outdoors or indoors?
I read a statistic in the April issue of Women’s Health saying 8 in 10 people prefer the gym to exercising outdoors (based on a Women’s Health poll) – which surprised me!
Then I read in the April issue of Health that according to research from the University of Essex, people who workout outdoors feel more relaxed and energized than those who stay indoors. Hmm.
I take every “study” I read with a grain of salt. How could you possibly sample enough people to ever make “statistics” like this be accurate?
Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t use them as starting points for blogging material! Especially these two. When I read them, I really wanted to know what other people think. So…
Do you prefer to workout indoors or outdoors? I suppose it depends on the activity – which do you prefer where? Do you feel more “relaxed and energized” indoors or outdoors?
I prefer all of my cardio workouts outdoors because I find them more entertaining – there is so much to take in outside, especially when running on a trail in a park, or somewhere new! When I do have to do cardio in the gym, I prefer to have a podcast to listen to, or a magazine to read. And I probably do feel more energized when I am working out outside, and the sun is shining… but I feel energized after most cardio, anywhere!
Now, strength? That has to be done in the gym, right?
Themocracy
Put me outside for cardio any day – the key there being day though. If I have to do a workout while it is dark I’m just as happy inside I think. Except for running… because seriously I’d rather run in 5 degree weather in the dark outside than run on the treadmill. I hate it that much 😉
I wondered about strength training too – the only thing I could think of for outdoors is doing your own boot camp or something with body weight exercises or bringing small weights with. I don’t feel confident enough in my own creativity for that!
Hey Kim!
I like to read the ‘research/studies’ and work them into blogs, too… makes for good dialogue, right? 🙂
While I prefer being outdoors to run, I’ve learned to have an amicable relationship w/ the treadmill, for speedwork, mostly. Also, since the safety factor had to be ramped up in my world, I feel a little better at 5 am, in the dark, on the treadmill. Not enough runner-types outdoors yet at that hour. However, when I’m treading away and they pass by the window at 5:45, I do get wistful, and sometimes abandon my electric friend to head outdoors for a mile or two if time remains. Long runs? Different story. Outdoors always, even if it means Hubs follows along on a bike or golf cart (yes he did… yesterday!). Just picture that…. ha ha!
Wt training? Finally added that back in, and it’s indoors, though I think a case could be made for outdoors, with some thought.
Too hot here in Orlando for daytime workouts in the summer months – always a very early morning or late evening event, which I suppose is opposite of you guys in your part of the U.S.?
Happy Monday!
Robin
I have had my dad follow me on a run with his bike. It was a lot of fun. For me, anyway!
I avoid midday workouts in the summer too. I have to get up at 6:30 am, because I am not a good runner if it is hotter than 70!
I love spending time outdoors too! And I plan on moving my yoga/strength training outdoors once the nice weather rolls around too. A yoga mat out on the lawn makes for an awesome workout. 😀
This is definitely activity based (and weather based). Running is nicer outside when it’s not too extreme in terms of weather. I like the changing surroundings as you go. But, having a controlled speed on a treadmill is nice, too. Being indoors in a gym is nice because you have a lot more options in terms of what you can do. I dunno. Maybe it depends more on my mood. 😉
Definitely depends on my mood sometimes! I remember when we used to run after dinner last year, I would want to stay inside so I could watch movies while on the treadmill!
I think you and I read all the same ‘zines. I saw that too, and was also surprised. I like to alternate…and in the winter, unfortunately, I’m a total wimp and turn to the gym for almost every workout 🙂 BUT, in the spring, summer, and fall, nothing beats a run outdoors!
I prefer outside. I hate the treadmill!
Strength doesn’t have to be done indoors if you join that meathead gym at North Ave. Beach … plenty of weights outside (so long as you can also deal with the overabundance of steroids and baby oil. ha.
For me, I am definitely more relaxed when doing cardio outside. Inside, cardio is to complete a goal (run for 3 miles, stairmaster for 30 minutes, etc.). Outside, there are also goals, but I feel the goals are softer, because I’m there to enjoy the weather, the people, the sights, etc. That said, for me, workouts move inside in the winter. And yes, my strength training is also completed indoors, year-round.
I definitely prefer cardio outdoors… I hate the feeling of moving and not getting anywhere! I do most, if not all, of my strength training at the gym, but I don’t think it HAS to be an indoor activity at all.
<3 <3
I prefer working out outdoors.. there is something about the fresh air early in the morning 🙂
But then working out outdoors doesn’t work out all the time… too cold/hot..
Completely agree with you. The outdoors makes the time fly by and being in the midst of nature has to be relaxing for anyone. If you can get away from the traffic and hussle and bussle of busy streets, the outdoors is perfect. The fresh air provides a natural high and you can just feel the health benefits with every breath.
Gym work is a must however, unless you can put your dumbbells, barbells and cable machine outside.
Outside outside! 😀 I try to sometimes get my martial arts instructors to take us outside when the weather is nice but it’s a no go. Booo. Weights and stuff indoors only because that’s where the weights are. If I did a boot camp thing, I wouldn’t mind it being outside. 😀
That surprises me too! Honestly, I think the people that prefer working out indoors haven’t really given the outdoors a chance (or they live in bad weather). A HUGE part of the reason I love running is because I get to do it outside 😀
I wonder the same thing – if they have not tried to workout outside. I know a lot of people find running outside harder than the treadmill, but I find the treadmill to be more difficult!
People prefer the gym??? I can’t stand the gym and should probably cancel my membership. I had dreams of going to classes and spinning and lifting weights, but let’s face it…I really just like to run outside. The fresh air, the feeling of MOVING…can’t beat that!
Outdoors for sure. When it gets above 100 here, I’ll be up at 4am in order to beat the heat and be able to be outside.
That is a surprise. I definitely prefer my cardio outside (which means, I like to run outside), but I enjoy having access to a gym. I realized the other day that I pretty much go to the gym for classes–no weight lifting. I need to take advantage of the other “indoor” exercises!
I’d much rather do cardio outdoors! Unfortunately, the summers are really hot here in Northern California so I spend about four months working out indoors. I’d rather get it done in any way that I can than use the hot weather as an excuse!
I think people “prefer” the gym because they don’t know what to do outside. Before I was a runner I definitely thought the gym (or an indoor fitness class) was the only place to exercise. Now, though, I’d much rather run outside than run on the treadmill. But, I admit that I’d rather do my cross-training on the elliptical (or other cardio machine) rather than try to come up with something to do outside. Taking the dogs for a walk is nice but I don’t count it as “exercise”.
Outdoors, outdoors, outdoors!!!
I like doing cardio outside too. But I do love the weight machines at the gym. And there is something to be said for new runners & the treadmill. Pacing is a lot easier if you can just hit the buttons on the machine!
That is so true, Joey! For many people, it is best to start on the treadmill, and even stick with it, and there is nothing wrong with that!
I would run outside almost any day now that I have a great GPS that helps me pace myself. One exception: gross weather. Sorry, I am a big weenie, but I don’t want to deal with weather conditions when I am focusing on extending my run! I like to make it as stress free as possible!
I find that I like running better outside opposed to the gym – but that is mainly due to the fact of feeling trapped on a treadmill. I have to be more focused on how fast I am going and how far I am going by pushing buttons on a the treadmill. Outside running is more freeing!
Now that I started doing bootcamp I have realized that strength training does not have to happen only at a gym. I have been lifting tires and doing push-ups and all sorts of crzy things outside that are strength workouts. It’s forced me to see working out outdoors in a new light. Without the bootcamp class though, I don’t think I would actually do any of those excersizes outside the gym, but it’s nice to know I have the option if need be.
I would really love to try a Bootcamp like that. I bet it would really keep my body guessing!
I prefer outdoor workouts but unfortunately they are not always convenient. Sometimes I have to get to the gym when it is still dark outside! Or cold.
Well, I hate gyms, and I’m not a big exerciser in general. I do like to walk outdoors. I don’t think I could ever use a treadmill. I like hiking. I do yoga indoors, though I have done it outdoors before and find that much more enjoyable. I live in California though 😉 My parents are both physical therapists so they give me lots of free weights and instructions, in hopes of helping me ward off osteoporosis. So, I do free weights (arms and legs) indoors at home. That’s about it 🙂 I think many people prefer indoors since it’s a more controlled environment. It really depends where you live, I’d think.
I hate the gym. First of all the parking sucks, and second, the fact that I have to get in the car and drive there stops me from going. Also, its like a high school reunion there whenever I go. Theres a reason I dont talk to these people anymore, I dont want to pretend I like them.
So because of that Im all about outdoor workouts. If Im doing weights I’ll do that at home. But Im more of a cardio girl anyhow.
Ugh. I would hate it if I ran into people from my HS when I was working out! Yuck!
Can’t stand the gym. I’ve slowly been building up my home gym for those occasions when I have no choice but to workout inside. I much prefer outdoor exercise, though. Usually what forces me to use my treadmill is that my husband isn’t home to watch the kids for an outdoor run (I live in Vegas so there is almost never a weather concern) but most of the time I’ll work it so my run can be outside. 🙂
MUCH prefer outside. I have a membership which, now that I am doing P90X at home, wish I could cancel. If I could do my P90X outside without the neighbors worrying about me, I would!!! haha
I prefer to run outdoors, but in the winter I will almost always choose the treadmill over the road!
I like to walk outside [either with friends or just the dogs] when the weather is pleasant. Fresh air is such a wonderful thing.
It really does depend on the activity. I like to do lots of outdoor activities, but I have to say, I like running indoors in July and August because of the air conditioning. I also like to use the gym to do strength training. But for the most part, when it’s warm outside, I don’t want to be anywhere near a gym!
i prefer to workout outside as long as the weather is nice!
Hmmm.. tough one. I think I prefer to work out outside because it makes it feel much less like working out and much more for fun and enjoyment. However, being from Boston, I rarely work out outside.. and I’m kind of a fan of the treadmill (I know, shocker. But it’s nice on my knees and shins)
How does being from Boston make you want to workout inside? Is it really hilly there or something? (Not trying to be rude, I just don’t know what you mean!)
It’s the environment that really makes a difference for me…the actual workout itself can be pretty equivalent. But, at the gym, it’s neons and if the sun shines, it’s through a window, and the music is not really to my liking so I wear my ipod to drown it out and there’s a bit of a business-like atmosphere and rules. Outside, is natural light and sunshine on my face (or rain or snow) and music only if I want, because I don’t need to drown anything out and no clean-up-the-apparatus rules and the atmosphere is relaxed and almost vacation-like. So…can you guess which one I prefer…yeah you got it 🙂
You brought up a good point – there is an “atmosphere” in the gym that you avoid when you are outside!
I do think working out outdoors is energizing, actually. And yet, I’m an indoor exerciser. I blame that on being a bit prissy and lazy with laundry. Inside, I can wear some tiny shorts and a sports bra whereas outdoors I need layers!
Hmmm….well, I guess it depends on if I can run in this scenario. 🙂 Running I’ve ALWAYS preferred to do outdoors – and walking, too! Even if it’s butt cold, fresh air is fresh air.
But for spinning (obviously, although if they could work an outdoor class that’d be sweet!) and lifting I do have to go to the gym. And for Body Pump, yoga, etc. So I guess it’s a draw for me!
Study A – people prefer indoors was probably conducted by 24 hour fitness.
I prefer the outdoors, probably because I run. I love the fresh air and going somewhere, looking at nature.
So many vaiables… Outside idealy. I am a temperature whimp though, too cold or hot and I’m not so likely to get out there. I guess the gym (indoors) provides a moderate temp. Outside is always so rewarding though. Especially when you are on a fun trail and can see flowers, birds, squirrels and stuff 😉
Put me in the outside column as I much prefer it. I find the outdoors more meditative and calming. Unless you have a Venice Beach handy, I guess most strength work is done in the gym
Outside all the way.
If there is a sufficiently random sample, I believe the statitics…
outdoors: I will run in the rain, suffer thru the ice and cold and snow just to feel the fresh air but mostly b/c i hate the confines of a gym. In the midwest w/ 6 mos of winter yoga studios work wonders 🙂
I hate the gym…it’s so crowded and the air is bad. I love running outside because I’m actually going somewhere, you know? I think ppl like the gym bc of the TV. ;-p
Wow, this is very surprising. I wonder if this says something about the demographic that they surveyed? Are the womens health ladies more of a gym kind?
The runners that I know sure do like the outdoors better than inside – but then what do I know.
I would love to see the results if this study was done on men as well. And with more people! Almost all the runners I know hate the treadmill too!
I definitely like to mix it up! These days, I’m jogging indoors until I feel strong enough to be running around outside (there are many hills where I live, lame excuse but true). That said, I love to walk and hike outside, and I definitely bike outside rather than do spin classes.
The gym is much more of a social time – I go there to watch TV (no cable in the house) or catch up with a friend.
Weight training IS mainly indoors, but I do often try to do some lunges and other activities outside just for fun and a change of pace.
For the most part, I prefer to run outdoors. The treadmill is so boring to me. When I am injured though, I really do appreciate the gym…the swimming pool…the elliptical. Even though I love the fresh air of the outdoors, the gym definitely has its place in my training schedule (especially now that I am lifting 2-3 times a week).
I would also take the Women’s Health survey with a grain of salt since 1. I was a WH subscriber for a year, and in that time they lost a lot of credibility with me for running some outlandish stories, and 2. As a statistician, I take all surveys that don’t have extensive sampling with some skepticism. I can see how maybe 8 of 10 WH readers may prefer working out inside.
I would much rather be exercising pretty much anywhere but a formal gym, I get so worked up about meat head boys throwing weights and prissy girls fixing their hair that I don’t enjoy myself, lol. I love running outside alone and hiking in the woods with dog and husband in tow and lake swimming…I can’t wait for summer so I can swim in a lake! I won’t even comment on strength since I love me a serious strength workout, yet I haven’t bothered to do one in a while.
Ha! Which Women’s Health stories drove you bonkers? Don’t you love how all those mags are so repetitive?
i can’t do anything strenuous outdoors. i get heat stroke.
I’m new to working out, so the fact that I found a gym that doesn’t intimidate me is a good, good thing. I don’t feel like there’s anyone there watching or judging me. When I’m outside, I think people are looking out their windows and saying, “What’s that fat girl trying to do?” And I know that’s a lie, but if working out in the gym makes me feel safe emotionally, I’m going to do it.
I definitely agree that when you work outside MOST people will turn their head to look at you. You cannot argue that. I always am excited when I see people working out though, no matter what they look like. I think “good for them!”