For many people, exercise is an integral part of their everyday life in order to stay physically fit. At least since the corona pandemic, many have also been doing sports outside in nature. And that has health benefits. You can read here why sport in nature is healthier and what that has to do with improving mental health.
Less exercise due to pandemic
“Who rests, rusts,” as the saying goes. Sport and exercise are a way for most people to lose weight and feel healthier and fitter. It is therefore not surprising that the resolution to do more sport at the turn of the year was the number one good resolution with 51 percent according to a survey. And thus before the resolution to eat healthier (49 percent) or lose weight (42 percent).
The corona pandemic in particular with many lockdowns brought restrictions on freedom of movement. A survey shows that half of those surveyed have been less active since the pandemic than before. The 18 to 44 year olds are particularly affected. Another study shows that the participants, who previously did little sport anyway, reduced their activities by 41 percent. Those who did more sport before Corona even reduced their sporting activities by 42 percent. The main reason for the decline was that fitness studios, sports clubs and yoga studios, for example, were closed for a long time due to the lockdown.
Out and about – rediscover sports
During the pandemic, sports enthusiasts and people who are less athletic but felt a lack of exercise often had no choice but to go into nature to do sports. The result: popular outdoor sports such as jogging and the like gained further popularity.
With the fact that many people worked in the home office during the lockdowns, the way to work was temporarily omitted for many employees, which takes at least half an hour per day for many employees. This “gained” time, which some suddenly had at their disposal in addition to children, household and job, led to the bicycle being rediscovered as a piece of sports equipment, for example. Sports such as walking, jogging and above all hiking – alone or in small groups – became more and more popular.
Sport in nature helps against stress
Sport in nature is healthier and leads to being more relaxed and can generally prevent stress and depression. This is shown by various studies: the effects of sport in the great outdoors (among others) bring many positive aspects to the mental state of the athletes. According to the study, this was the biggest difference compared to sports activities in closed rooms. Sport in nature not only makes people happier and more satisfied, but also less stressed and mentally exhausted. The results clearly show that physical activity outdoors helps you to reduce stress, find inner peace and become more balanced.
Out and about: hiking for mental health
One sport that has been particularly popular during the corona pandemic is hiking. Alone or as a couple, in a small group or as a family – hiking is a sport for everyone. While hiking experienced an upswing during the Corona pandemic and was seen by many primarily as an opportunity to exercise, according to a study from 2022, the reasons for hiking are now primarily to spend more time in nature. The desire to improve mental health is also an aspect that makes people lace up their hiking boots and pack their backpacks. It is particularly interesting that one in three hiking fans is under the age of 35.
In addition, the study participants stated that they had an increased awareness of physical health and fitness. Going hiking as a form of physical training was the trigger for 37 percent of those surveyed. In comparison, in 2021 it was only 20 percent. Health reasons for going hiking also increased from 31 percent (2021) to 56 percent (2022). Another side effect shows that the majority is above average environmentally and climate conscious.
Contribute to health through sport
The reasons why people integrate sport and exercise into their everyday lives are as different as the people themselves. We spoke to Thomas Krutmann about this. He is a participant in the “Raus und Los” initiative of the Techniker Krankenkasse and a good example of why sport and exercise are not only good for the body, but also for the soul. We talked to him about how he found the right sport for himself and what motivates him to do sport in nature.
How did you discover the right sport for you in nature?
Thomas Krutmann: To a certain extent, being outside is part of my DNA. I grew up in the country and love the forest and the water. Exploration required the appropriate forms of movement, so that hiking and paddling came into my life as naturally as boarding the subway for a city dweller. There were many small moments of initiation. It was certainly important to roam alone through the forest at some point, to shake off everyday school life and to feel the new independence.
How has outdoor sports changed your everyday life – also due to Corona?
Thomas Krutmann: The value of health and being outside was of course really emphasized again by the pandemic, but I was aware of it beforehand. As a worker affected by the lockdowns, there was much more time and uncomplicated opportunity to take care of both and to give him more space in the daily routine, which was very nice.
What do you think is the best thing about doing sports in nature?
Thomas Krutmann: “Being touched” by the naked, silent existence of nature. feel magic and energy. The involuntaryness of cognitive processes while doing. to get off. feel the body. Dark, morning coolness in the forest, into which the warmth of the morning sun’s rays falls. Dancing Sunlight. fragrances. And and and.
From a sporting point of view, what do you wish for nature and the opportunity to continue practicing your sport?
Thomas Krutmann: Intact forests and bodies of water and a broad awareness of them. To contribute to my health through sport and to be able to experience it for a long time.
Out and about – exercise in nature is balm for the soul
Many people who follow the motto: Just get out and go like Thomas Krutmann. 97 percent of participants in a study stated that hiking is good for the soul and is balm for the soul. The same applies to other outdoor sports – just get out there and get started. If you want to let your weaker selfs on the side and give priority to exercise, you will find loyal companions with offers such as TK-Fit and the TK app from Techniker Krankenkasse. They show how easy it is to integrate sport and exercise into everyday life. Trying out what is fun means more often than you think that pure exercise becomes outdoor sport all by itself.
To the homepage of the TC
You might also be interested in:
- Through self-reflection to more self-confidence and mental health
- That’s good: outdoor sports
- TK anti-stress coaching
- Out and about – find BewegtGrund and reward yourself with TK-Fit
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