Lee Chimerakis and the Great Outdoors: The Benefits of Running Outdoors
If you are not afraid to brave the elements and prefer the fresh air of the outdoors, then grab a pair of shoes and head out for the lush greens of a local park or the suburban city streets and enjoy all that the natural world has to offer while improving your physical well-being. Running requires no equipment, just mental and physical exertion, so the outdoors may be the answer when it comes to improving your cardiovascular health. However, is it possible to achieve similar results in the confines of a gym? The mechanics of running on a treadmill differ significantly from those of a stationary platform. Running in place tends to put pressure on the quadriceps which can ultimately become sore over time.
Form also plays a crucial role when it comes to extending your joints, it is difficult to remain in a proper position on a treadmill and as a result increases the amount of tension on your knees. Researchers found that running in a natural environment also had a meditative effect and promoted feelings of revitalization, leading to a decreased chance of developing mental illness and anxiety. Experienced runner, Lee Chimerakis, runs roughly 4 km per day and notes the positive impact it has on his physical and mental health. Running outdoors builds a natural tenacity and a form of strength that cannot be acquired through a treadmill.
Nothing compares to the great outdoors, so it is hard to imagine performing the same motion in one place for an extended period of time. The pure physiological effect of kicking it outdoors increases motivation and gets your adrenaline pumping. For the avid runner, exercising outdoors also presents a greater variety and stimulating challenge. Individuals who run outdoors tend to exhibit feelings of accomplishment as at times changing seasons and unreliable weather conditions make it no easy task.
Lee Chimerakis enjoys pushing his body to the limits for it keeps his heart healthy and provides a great aerobic workout. Although it is possible to increase intensity and adjust settings on a treadmill, modifying your outdoor workout will result in a higher demand when it comes to physical exertion. Factors such as speed, stride length and incline outdoors will provide an intensity unachievable indoors.
The number of calories burned taking it to the outdoors also succeeds those burned while remaining stationary. According to experts running outdoors can burn approximately double the amount of energy as opposed to indoors. Running outdoors is an intensely functional exercise as your body is making constant adjustments to the terrain. These complex muscle movements enhance coordination, balance, and stability, this constant movement also contributes to the influx of calories burned per minute.
So next time you consider going for a run why not abandon the stationary belt and challenge your body by hitting the trails, you will not be disappointed!
