Indoor vs. Outdoor Workouts in the Fall
Jazmin Anderson
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Exercising indoors provides a controlled environment with fewer distractions, protection from weather-related challenges and access to specialized equipment that can support targeted fitness goals.
- Exercising outside may improve mood, reduce stress, increase vitamin D exposure and create a more varied workout by engaging different muscle groups through natural terrain.
- Dress appropriately for changing temperatures, protect exposed areas from the cold, use sunscreen year-round and remain aware of your surroundings to reduce the risk of injury or accidents when exercising outdoors.
During the fall, the drop in temperatures and rainy days can make going outside to exercise feel difficult. Indoor workouts, on the other hand, can feel restrictive and boring to some people.
Both indoor and outdoor workouts can have their advantages and drawbacks. Here are some things you should consider when deciding which movement works best for you.
Advantages of indoor workouts
Indoor workouts are great for convenience and consistency, especially in the colder months. These factors might make you prefer exercising indoors:
- More control over environmental factors: You don’t have to worry about the weather or terrain conditions, which allows for comfort and consistency when indoors. If you have allergies, working out indoors can also be more comfortable in allergy season.
- Access to equipment: Gyms have a large variety of equipment targeting specific muscle groups. Some of these areas can be hard to activate through outdoor workouts.
- Fewer distractions: Staying in a controlled environment might help you focus on your workout more.
- Better safety: Exercising outdoors can expose you to certain risks, such as uneven terrain, overexposure to sunlight, pests and wildlife or bad actors.
Advantages of outdoor workouts
Working out outdoors offers several additional benefits compared to indoor workouts. Here are some of them:
- Better mood and reduced stress: Nature can calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. Exercising outdoors can lead to improved mood and increased happiness.
- A better-rounded workout: Natural environments often provide varied terrain, which engages different muscle groups, enhances balance and stability and improves overall physical performance in comparison to a controlled indoor space.
- Increased vitamin D intake: Being outdoors exposes you to sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is key for bone and immune health, along with supporting overall well-being.
- Increased motivation and enjoyment: Changes in scenery during outdoor exercise can make it engaging and fun.
- Lower perceived exertion: You may feel like you're putting in less effort while exercising, thanks to your ability to admire nature, taking your mind off the difficulty of exercise.
- Improved cognitive function: Spending time in nature has been linked to enhanced cognitive function, which can translate into increased focus and productivity during exercise and other daily activities.
How to stay safe during an outdoor workout
If you want to enjoy the benefits of outdoor workouts in the fall, here are a few safety tips you should keep in mind:
- Dress according to the temperature: Keep in mind the type of exercise you’ll be doing and the weather when picking workout clothes. If you’re walking, you’ll need warmer layers than if you’re running. Synthetic materials or wool work better than cotton for layering. A wind resistant top layer can help on cold, windy or rainy days. Wear shoes with good traction on snow or ice.
- Protect sensitive areas: Wear a hat or headband to keep your ears warm. Protect your hands with gloves. Lightweight ones will be easier to tuck into your pockets if you want to take them off. Warm socks will keep your feet from getting cold. A high-neck jacket can protect your throat from the elements.
- Sun protection: Even when it’s overcast outside, your skin can still be exposed to UV rays. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. When it’s sunny outside, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: Make sure you are aware of what is going on around you. If you are listening to music, keep the volume low or only cover one ear. Look out for obstacles around you as they can be an injury risk. If you are going to a secluded area, try to go with a group. Wear high-visibility gear to ensure drivers can see you, especially when it’s dark.
Photo credit: Getty Images
