A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that exercising in Danish nature significantly improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances physical recovery more than urban or indoor settings. The findings could reshape public health strategies across Denmark and beyond.
Nature’s Impact on the Mind and Body
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with the University of Verona, has found that physical activity in natural settings provides superior psychological and physiological benefits compared to exercise in urban environments or indoor gyms. The randomized controlled trial demonstrated that walking in green spaces led to reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced heart rate recovery. The study shows Danish nature boosts both mind and body.
The experiment involved 25 young men, each participating in one-hour brisk walks in three different settings: a natural park, a city street, and an indoor treadmill environment. All walks were completed at the same pace—6 kilometers per hour. After each session, researchers measured their psychological state and monitored physiological indicators such as heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone). The Danish nature is powerful for both mental and physical health.
Stronger Benefits in Danish Nature
Participants showed significantly lower cortisol levels and higher heart rate variability after walking in nature. HRV, an important indicator of recovery and parasympathetic nervous system activity, increased by 20–30% in natural surroundings compared to the indoor setting. This suggests that the body relaxes and recovers more effectively after exercise performed outdoors.
Psychologically, the green environment offered a noticeable boost in well-being. Participants reported feeling more relaxed, cheerful, and optimistic following the walk in the park. Additionally, they experienced fewer negative emotions such as anxiety, fatigue, and boredom. In contrast, these negative feelings increased after indoor walks and remained largely unchanged after city walks.
Natural Environments Promote Enjoyment and Sustainability
Beyond short-term benefits, the study also explored participants’ willingness to repeat the activity in each environment. The preference for natural surroundings was clear: participants were more motivated to engage in physical activity again after walking in Danish nature. This finding indicates that outdoor exercise may not only enhance immediate well-being but also encourage long-term physical activity.
One particularly notable result is that sensations of boredom increased after walking indoors, while Danish nature walks consistently decreased such feelings. At the same time, participants felt the highest sense of tranquility in natural environments, a state that was diminished indoors.
A Valuable Tool for Public Health Initiatives
Researchers believe these results offer promising implications for public health policy and urban planning. The evidence suggests that simply substituting one indoor workout per week with a 30-minute walk in a natural environment could lead to significant mental and physical health benefits. This low-cost alternative could be particularly useful for populations facing healthcare challenges, including people with obesity or mental health conditions.
The connection between physical environments and health outcomes—both psychological and physiological—has not been fully appreciated in the past. This study introduces a more comprehensive method of assessing the real-world impact of environment on exercise outcomes, combining both biometric data and personal experiences.
Implications for Urban Design and Healthcare
As cities continue to grow and mental health concerns rise in many developed nations, incorporating easily accessible green areas into urban design could help support healthier populations. This new awareness opens up opportunities for municipalities and health authorities to foster lifestyle changes by simply increasing access to public green space.
Given that the natural environment emerged as the most motivating and least stressful setting, health practitioners might consider recommending Danish nature walks as part of physical activity regimens—especially for those with low motivation or high stress levels.
Study Background and Support
The research, titled “Evaluating the benefits of green exercise: A randomized controlled trial in natural and built environments assessed for their restorative properties,” was published in the September 2025 issue of the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise. The trial was supported by the EU’s NextGenerationEU initiative and conducted by researchers affiliated with the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports.
As urban populations expand and sedentary lifestyles become more common, this study adds to the growing body of research highlighting the vital role of nature in building habits that support long-term health. Adding even small doses of green exercise into weekly routines could produce substantial benefits—not only at the individual level, but across public health systems.
