Workout Outside with Friends

Movement | 5.26.2015 | By Daya Alexander Grant, M.S.

Last weekend, some amazing members of our LYB family ran in the Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, VT (Well done, Brainfarmers!).  The race was a culmination of the 5-day LYB Camp, during which participants socialized, enjoyed the outdoors, and exercised together.

This got us thinking . . . what are the brain benefits of working out in the great outdoors with friends?

• Exercising outdoors can help you keep up a good workout routine and increase your activity level overall, even outside of the structured outdoor workouts, according to a 2014 study

• When you workout outside, you actually work harder and push your body further, but it feels more effortless - motivating friends undoubtedly helps with this, too

• Outdoor exercise and supportive friends are both mood and self-esteem boosters!

• It’s fun!  And having fun is definitely good for the brain

You don’t necessarily have to train for a marathon with a group of friends, like our Brainfarmers. Consider starting a hiking club, playing some beach volleyball, or taking a brisk walk with friends around an unexplored neighborhood in your city. So this week, try to combine 3 things that we know are good for the brain: exercise, the outdoors, and good friends!