PRACTICE EXERCISE IN SUNLIGHT
The benefits of exercise have been well touted: weight loss, endorphin release,
cardiovascular fitness. One factor that can affect the results of workout is where
to exercise. The place to get the most out of fitness routine is simply to exercise
in sunlight.
Sunlight
One of the greatest benefits to exercising outdoors comes from the sun. For one
thing, exposure to the sun can help prevent and alleviate depression,
particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Both can cause fatigue, anxiety,
lack of energy, social withdrawal, physical pain and difficulty concentrating.
Although the connection between sunlight and depressive disorders is unclear,
some researchers theorize that the sun affects the serotonin levels in the brain.
An imbalance of serotonin, in turn, affects neurotransmitters which are thought
to cause mood disorders. Exercise in itself increases endorphins, chemicals that
have an analgesic affect as well as create feelings of well-being, perhaps even
euphoria. Physical and mental pain can both be lessened with exercise and
sunlight. Exercising outdoors, therefore, helps the body fight off feelings of
depression doubly well.
Exercise and Vit. D
An even more impressive benefit from outdoor exercise comes from the vitamin
D absorbed from sunlight. Massive doses of vitamin D have been studied
regarding the vitamin's effect on depression, and indications are that high levels
may help. Besides the light itself, the vitamin D from the sun also helps regulate
the production of the brain hormone serotonin.
But the physical benefits from vitamin D are even more powerful. Vitamin D can
prevent a number of different ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure,
and even multiple sclerosis.
Similarly, exercise can increase bone density, but so can being outdoors. Bones
are healthier with regular vitamin D intake since the vitamin aids in the
absorption of calcium. Stronger bones help prevent osteoporosis in later years.
Menopause is another issue women face in later years, and outdoor exercise
can ameliorate some of its symptoms. Just a 20-minute walk outdoors in the
sunlight stimulates the pituitary into creating additional hormones that increase
estrogen. Estrogen is a major factor in easing the symptoms of menopause.
Vitamin D may even affect the risks of getting cancer. Research shows that the
nutrient affects cell growth, which may allow it to inhibit the start or spread of
cancer. Dr. William Grant and his colleagues have presented a paper claiming
that sufficient intake of vitamin D would prevent 50,000 - 65,000 deaths from
cancer annually.
Nutrition and Exercise
Nutrition and exercise play a major role in keeping bones and muscles healthy.
Because the bones and skeletal muscles work together, the nutrients consumed
and activities participated in often affect both systems simultaneously.
For most people, consuming a healthy diet with a wide variety of vitamins and
minerals is enough to ensure bone and muscle health, although athletes,
pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions may need to adjust
their nutrient intake or exercise plan. The nutrients consumed is better
absorbed and assimilated when practising an exercise plan in sunlight.
Negative effects of sun
Skin Cancer is an issues that can be caused by sun exposure. People die from
skin cancer every year. However, melanoma is blamed for 8,000 deaths and
other skin cancers for another 2,000. These numbers may sound significant, but
they pale when paired with the 50,000+ deaths from cancer that could be
avoided by more outdoor exercise.
All exercise is not equal
The best exercise is exercise consistently. But an outdoor workout has many
more benefits for weight loss and other aspects of overall health. Gradual
exposure to the sun will develop an outdoor exercise plan will help to create a
long-lasting routine that no other activity can match in benefit.
