Exercising in natural environments significantly improves mood, reduces stress, and aids in recovery more effectively than workouts in urban areas or indoor gyms, according to a new Danish study conducted by the University of Copenhagen and the University of Verona.
A Walk in Nature Boosts Mind and Body According to Danish Study
New scientific findings reveal that exercising in nature can offer superior mental and physical benefits compared to working out in cities or indoor fitness facilities. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Italy’s University of Verona conducted a controlled study highlighting how green environments positively influence both psychological well-being and physiological stress markers.
The study was recently published in the academic journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise and is among the first to simultaneously evaluate psychological and bodily effects of exercising in various settings.
The Danish Study Design
The Danish Study enlisted 25 healthy young men, randomly assigning them to walk at a brisk pace – about 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 mph) – for one hour in three different environments:
– A forest park representing a natural environment
– An urban street route symbolizing a city environment
– An indoor lab outfitted as a gym with treadmills
After each walking session, participants were evaluated on stress levels, mood, motivation, and physical recovery.
Nature Outperformed City and Indoor Settings
Results showed clear advantages for walking in green environments. Participants reported significantly lower stress levels after their walk in nature. Measurements of cortisol, a key stress hormone found in saliva, were consistently lower following outdoor walks in the forest compared to those after walks in the city or indoors.
Their heart rates also normalized more quickly following the nature walk, indicating stronger physical recovery. Additionally, participants reported feeling more at peace, more motivated to repeat the activity, and less bored when walking in nature. Ratings for joy, satisfaction, and optimism scored highest after the experience in the forested area.
For comparison, indoor exercise resulted in a notable increase in feelings of boredom and a decrease in psychological calm. Although urban walking slightly improved mood, it was significantly less effective than the natural setting.
The Evolutionary Connection to Nature
Scientists involved in the study suggest that the human body and mind are naturally predisposed to thrive in green environments. For most of human history, people lived closely with nature, while life indoors and in cities only began a few thousand years ago. This evolutionary background helps explain why being surrounded by trees, fresh air, and natural sounds can create a sense of calm and restoration that feels more profound than any treadmill workout.
Implications for Mental Health and Exercise Motivation
This research carries practical implications not only for improving physical health but also for addressing mental well-being. Choosing an outdoor trail instead of a high-energy fitness class may be especially helpful for individuals experiencing stress or burnout.
Moreover, the sense of satisfaction and motivation generated by exercising in nature could be crucial for people just starting a physical activity routine. The study found that participants were much more inclined to repeat the nature walk than the other exercise scenarios, suggesting that greenery could play a key role in establishing long-term fitness habits.
Two Key Numbers from the Danish Study
– Participants walked at a controlled speed of 6 kilometers per hour (3.7 mph) across all test environments.
– The study measured cortisol levels and heart rate variability, two crucial markers for stress and recovery, in all 25 participants after each activity session.
Reconsidering Indoor Fitness
Although the findings highlight the benefits of natural settings, researchers emphasize that any form of movement is positively impactful for health. Urban or indoor exercise still supports mental and physical fitness. However, when possible, incorporating green environments into one’s physical routine, such as by hiking in the woods, jogging in a park, or walking on a beach, can provide added benefits and aid in faster mental recovery.
For those seeking peace of mind or looking to build more sustainable exercise habits, the path through the forest may offer more than just beautiful scenery. It might just be the healthiest route forward.
