6 reasons to start exercising outside with Mvmnt

Author profile picture Mvmnt
Olivia Salter
June 23, 2025
3
min read
Man in blue shirt doing a yoga pose on a mat in a sunny garden.
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6 reasons to start exercising outside with Mvmnt

Time to make al fresco workouts a thing

With the summer (and the heat) well and truly here, now’s the perfect time to head outside, and take Mvmnt with you.

Whether you're using your mobile, laptop, or tablet, switching up your surroundings does more than just fight workout fatigue. The perks of fresh air, sunlight, and green space are, quite simply, an elixir for your overall health and well-being.

Ready to discover the transformative power of nature? Here are some reasons why we love outdoor workouts.

Soak up the sun (and vitamin D)

Exercising outside means getting more sunlight – one of the best ways to top up levels of vitamin D (aka the ‘sunshine’ nutrient).

When sunlight hits your skin and eyes, your body synthesises vitamin D, which plays an essential role in immunity, bone health, muscle function, and mood.

You need around 10-20 minutes of sun exposure daily to get enough vitamin D. But this depends on your skin type. Darker-skinned individuals will need a little longer.

Of course, the goal is sunshine – not sunburn. Always make sure you apply sun cream once you’ve hit your vitamin D quota for the day.

And remember, it doesn’t need to be perfectly sunny, either. Your body can still produce some vitamin D even on cloudy days.

Want to work out in the sun? It’s time to take Mvmnt outside.

Boost your mood

Movement is one of the best ways to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins. But the very act of moving in a natural space takes this chemical boost to a whole new level.

Endorphins are the body’s ‘natural painkillers’. They don’t just lift your mood; they buffer against overwhelm, stress, and, quite simply, make you feel all-round amazing.

Many GP surgeries are now even prescribing ‘nature therapy’ to support mental health, reduce burnout, and manage anxiety.

All this is to say, combining nature with exercise is a powerful tonic for your well-being.

Fancy a little lift? Head outside and bring Mvmnt with you.

Downregulate your nervous system

Intuitively, we know being in nature is good for us. Taking that first sip of fresh air helps us relax – almost instantly.

And there’s plenty of science to back this up. One study reported spending just 5 minutes in a green space can boost psychological well-being (1).

What’s more, nature is full of fractals – infinite, geometric shapes found in trees, sand, plants, leaves, and coastlines.

These soothing patterns work to downregulate the nervous system, shifting you from ‘fight-or-flight’ to ‘rest and digest’ (2). If you’ve ever felt calm gazing at the ocean, you can thank these guys.

It’s no wonder the ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku’, has taken off in recent years. Simply being among trees can have incredible benefits for your overall well-being (3).

Woodland yoga, anyone?

Feel calm, fast. Take your next Mvmnt session al fresco.

Increase your energy

We owe so much to the natural world. The likes of trees, plants, and vegetation fuel us with nourishing oxygen during photosynthesis.

Exercising outside fills your lungs with fresh, delicious oxygen, which immediately boosts circulation and increases energy levels.

This improved oxygen intake can make your workouts feel easier and more enjoyable, ultimately, helping you push further – and recover faster.

Ready to feel boosted? Exercise outside with Mvmnt on mobile, laptop, or tablet.

Improve your sleep

When you exercise outside, you naturally regulate your internal body clock, otherwise known as your circadian rhythm.

Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, signals to your body that it's daytime, helping you feel more energised and alert (4).

Then, as evening rolls around, your body can produce melatonin more effectively, which encourages you to fall into a deeper, more restful sleep.

Think of it as a natural reset for your sleep-wake cycle.

Want to clock more shuteye? Outdoor workouts are waiting for you.

Feel more creative

Exercising outside can also unlock your mind in surprising ways.

The change of scenery. The fresh air. The gentle sounds of nature. All of it provides a stimulating yet calming environment, which lends itself perfectly to creativity.

Studies suggest spending time in nature can boost problem-solving skills and enhance your ability to think divergently (5).

Outdoor workouts press a mental refresh button. They help you return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Eager to spark new ideas? It’s time to take your Mvmnt workouts outside.

How to take Mvmnt outside

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, laptop, or tablet, and head to your nearest green space.

Here are just a few suggestions on how you could exercise outside with Mvmnt:

  • Do a strength session with Carrie in the garden
  • Try a HIIT workout with Rory in your local park
  • Do some Pilates with Jo-Leigh on the beach
  • Practise yoga with Doug by a beautiful river

And remember, studies suggest blue and green environments are even better for health (5). So there’s even more reason to seek a coastal path or woodland lake for your next Mvmnt session.

Ready to start exercising outside with Mvmnt? We’ll see you there (shades on, of course).

References

  1. American Chemical Society. "In the green of health: Just 5 minutes of 'green exercise' optimal for good mental health." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 May 2010.
  2. Uoregon.edu. (2022). The human brain would rather look at nature than city streets | Oregon News. [online] Available at: https://news.uoregon.edu/content/human-brain-would-rather-look-nature-city-streets?utm_source=UOnews
  3. Li Q. (2022) Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of "Forest Medicine". Environ Health Prev Med. 27:43.
  4. Blume C, Garbazza C, Spitschan M. (2019) Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood. Somnologie (Berl). 23(3): 147-156.
  5. Yeh CW, Hung SH, Chang CY. (2022) The influence of natural environments on creativity. Front Psychiatry.;13:895213.
  6. Geary RS, Thompson DA, Garrett JK, et al. (2023) Green–blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. Southampton (UK): National Institute for Health and Care Research;(Public Health Research, No. 11.10.) Chapter 1, Green and blue space and mental health.

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