Green Exercise

September 24, 2010

By Linda T. Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET

This is a beautiful time of year in the Northeast, with a few remaining warm days, but that cool breeze that promises that winter is, indeed, on its way. In this part of the country, the colors of nature explode and we get the chance to watch the seasons change. Nature is mostly expressed as the color green, isn't it? I learned recently of a study from England's University of Essex that I thought very worthy to share with you.

Researchers there discovered that just five minutes of “green exercise”- which they define as cycling, gardening, fishing, mostly any exercise that is experienced in and within nature, as mood and self-esteem boosting.

This study correlates other research showing that outdoor walks are a good option to battle depression- where say, walking in the mall has a less beneficial effect. If you then add other outdoor activities- and greater exposure to vitamin D (thank you, sun!) studies show enhanced cognitive functioning and even increased compassion demostrated by the participants.

What if spending more time exercising outdoors meant less time spent in the doctor’s office? How cool is that? Try it and let me know what you think!

*Adapted from Nature Cures AARP Magazine