Forget the gym.
Exercising in natural settings, such as jogging through a park or biking along a trail, may offer greater benefits than indoor workouts, according to a recent review. Lead researcher Jay Maddock from Texas A&M University’s Center for Health & Nature highlighted that natural environments like parks, trails, and community gardens are popular venues for physical activity, with people generally enjoying the outdoors.
The review, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, synthesized findings from previous research comparing the benefits of outdoor exercise versus indoor activities. It underscored various advantages of outdoor physical activity, including improved mood and brain function, enhanced social interaction, greater exercise enjoyment, and potentially reduced perception of exertion.
Despite these benefits, access to natural areas is unevenly distributed. Maddock pointed out disparities, noting that nearly 98 percent of Illinois residents live near a park, while only 29 percent of Mississippi residents have similar access due to more privately owned land in rural areas.
Moreover, certain demographic groups face barriers to using green spaces. Men tend to use parks more than women, possibly due to safety concerns, while studies show that Black adults are less likely than white, Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander individuals to exercise in parks. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities also encounter challenges in accessing and navigating natural settings.
To address these disparities, Maddock and senior researcher Howard Frumkin from the Trust for Public Land suggested integrating “nature prescriptions” into healthcare practices. This approach involves healthcare providers recommending time spent in parks and green spaces to patients, known as “ParkRx,” which has shown promise in improving health outcomes.
The researchers emphasized the potential of parks and natural settings as powerful tools for promoting physical activity and overall health, especially considering that a significant majority of Americans do not meet recommended exercise levels or spend adequate time outdoors. They also encouraged health professionals to support initiatives that create and maintain parks, ensure safety, and facilitate community engagement in outdoor activities.
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