Workout Wednesday: Taking advantage of the Outdoor Green gyms

Working out outdoors is wonderful but most of us dread the idea especially in cold winter days, simply because we enjoy the comfort and warmth of indoor gyms.

Working out in parks may not sound like an appetising form of exercising, but it is enough to make you feel happier and less stressed.

The effect might be due to the oxygen boost from fresh air that encourages a production of feel- good brain chemical called Serotonin.

Vitamin D provided by exposure to the sun has some great benefits.

It strengthens your immune system, makes bones stronger and also actually improves your mood. Exposure to sunlight is a common treatment for depression and other mood disorders.

Here are some of the benefits of working out outdoors.

1. It is free (No cost involved)
2. Burn more calories
3. Improves your mood
4. Less complicated equipment that are easy and fun to use
5. Open to anyone (except individuals who need supervision)
6. They are Eco-friendly
7. It powers up joints, strengthens muscles and bones
8. It strengthens the heart and immune system

Joburg residents are fortunate because they are the custodians of Outdoor Green gyms, according to jhbcityparks.com  they have already installed six Outdoor Green gyms around Joburg namely in Diepsloot,  Sandton,  Eldorado Park, Protea Glen, Claremont,  Petros Molefe Eco-Park  in Soweto and four more are already in construction in Zola, Lehae, Meadowlands and Sophiatown.

Varied exercise outside means you’re more likely to work your body in new and different ways.

So strap on your runners, it’s time to take it outside.