OUTDOOR RECREATION

- Outdoor recreation refers to leisure activities that take place in a natural setting and benefit the body,
mind and/or spirit. Being outside in green spaces supports an active and healthy lifestyle, which has
shown to increase life expectancy, improve sleep quality and reduce cancer risk. Studies also shows that
being outside in nature is relaxing, reducing our stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rates –
all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

- Outdoor recreation provides a multitude of advantageous physical activities that may be performed in
solitude, with several friends and family members. Sports such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, racket
and ball sports and numerous other physical activities give you more choices for enjoyable exercise,
which is likely to keep you motivated.

Outdoor activities have been linked to increased fitness and cardiovascular functioning, reduced obesity,
reduced blood pressure, and reduced risk in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer [7].
Subjectively, outdoor activity and sports are associated with a better overall perception of health and
increased quality of life including, the better bone and muscle development and prevention of
osteoporosis, improved muscle flexibility, strength and endurance, reduced risk of dying prematurely,
reduced risk of falling, and improved mobility and strength for older adults.

Regular outdoor activity provides a number of physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure,
reduced arthritis pain, weight loss and lowered risk of diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis and
cardiovascular disease. Getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise -- such as biking or brisk walking -- or
75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week -- such as hiking or cross-country skiing -- help maintain a
healthy weight and reduce risk of chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. A 2009 study in the “Journal of Park and Recreation Administration” found a correlation
between access to outdoor recreational spaces and overweight, obesity and adults’ physical activity
levels. Specifically, less-active and more overweight adults spent less time participating in non-
motorized physical activities in recreational areas.