Take Your Workout Outside!
June 25, 2024 | Fitness
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever….
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever…
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136: 1, 7-8
If you’re anything like me, your day is instantly better when the sun is out. Seriously - when I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, I feel like God is giving me a great big hug.
With summer finally among us, I want to encourage you to bring your workout outdoors. Not only does sunlight serve as a reminder of God’s endless love, but it also fuels your body's production of vitamin D. Modern lifestyles characterized by indoor work and hours glued to a screen have led to widespread vitamin D deficiency. This is a serious issue, and can be detrimental for certain populations such as elderly adults, infants and children, and pregnant women. However, there is an incredibly easy and extremely efficient way to stock up on this nutrient - get outside! Spending time outdoors is your body's best way to naturally produce vitamin D. By doing so, you’re helping to improve bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. You’re also able to praise God for the beauty of His creation around you! Perhaps the most well-known role of vitamin D is in promoting bone health. It facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for building and maintaining strong bones. Without adequate vitamin D, bones can become brittle and prone to fractures, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D also plays a major role in supporting a healthy immune system. It boosts the production of proteins that fight off infections and helps regulate inflammation, keeping our body's response to pathogens in check. In simple terms, getting enough vitamin D supports our body's ability to defend itself against illnesses and stay healthy. In addition to physical benefits, research supports that incorporating outdoor environments into regular physical activity routines can significantly enhance mental health as well. Vitamin D receptors are found in the brain, and the nutrient is believed to play a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (particularly serotonin), which affect mood regulation. A meta-analysis published in Psychosomatic Medicine reported that increased Vitamin D was associated with a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms. This is absolutely fascinating to me: Vitamin D’s role in serotonin production makes it a natural mood enhancer, helping to ward off feelings of sadness and boost overall happiness. But the BEST benefit of an outdoor workout (at least in my opinion) is that it allows us to witness God's handiwork firsthand and encourages us to praise Him. In the Psalms, we find numerous verses that extol the glory of God's creation, urging us to lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful blessings He has bestowed upon us.“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
Yes, being outside brings feelings of awe, wonder, and gratitude for the gift of life itself. As we bask in the warmth of the sun, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and provision, as well as His promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities. I have met many people who say they don’t like the idea of outdoor workouts because it’s “too public.” To that I say, invite others to join you! One of your family members or friends might be yearning for this. I promise, no one will judge you for taking care of your body, mind, and soul through an outdoor workout. Here is an outdoor strength session my friends and I filmed. Check it out! Think about a favorite outdoor spot—a park, beach, or forest. What draws you to that place, and how might incorporating it into your workout routine enhance your overall experience?
