Exercising Outdoors, Great for Your Body, Better for Your Mind

Central Park Reservoir South Gate House

One loop around the Jackie O. Reservoir is 1.57 miles.

Today, the temperature was in the.twenties and I layered up and headed over to the Reservoir in Central Park, my favorite spot for a brisk walk or a run.  As soon as you cross the traffic of Fifth Avenue and step foot into the Park something shifts, you can take a deep breath and the tension starts to slip away, you're surrounded by nature and open spaces. Turns out this incredible mood shifting experience that happens each and every time I exercise in the park has some research behind it.  Studies suggest exercising outdoors as opposed to a gym or indoors can be as much as 50% better for our mental health.  The positive benefits of outdoor exercise include greater reductions in stress, tension, anger, confusion and depression and greater increases in mood and self esteem.  It sure makes a huge difference for me, so layer up and get out there, even in the cold of winter, and enjoy the benefits to your body and your mind.