So, how are the New Year’s Resolutions going? Hmmm, best not to ask….?? For many people, fitting in more exercise to the daily routine makes it to the top of the resolution list most years.

If this sounds familiar, and you’re already struggling with endless hours on a treadmill at the gym then why not consider changing your exercise location? Recent research has shown that exercising in the great outdoors has far greater health benefits than slogging it out at the gym or at a class. And you know what we say about our beautiful Snowdonia – it’s one giant playground! You’ll be so busy admiring the view that it won’t even feel like exercise!!

Not only is heading to the great outdoors much cheaper (it’s freeeeeeee!) than heading to the gym, but according to a recent study by leading Health Expert Dr Sally Norton, the feeling of being outside and part of nature is known to boost our natural endorphins, or feel-good hormones. These make you feel good about exercising, so it’ll make you much more likely to stick to the exercise plan and realise your fitness resolutions.

             Image by Thomas D Mørkeberg on                                               freeimages.com

And there’s more good news about why you should exercise outdoors for better health… It’s thought that exercising in colder temperatures helps to boost the conversion of white fat storing cells into brown cells that burn energy instead. A win win situation! And add to that the fact that being outside means you’ll have more exposure to the natural Vitamin D produced by sunlight. Vitamin D is essential to help our bodies absorb calcium for bone growth and repair.

And, exercising outdoors puts a glow in your cheeks and a fire in your belly! Exercising outdoors needn’t mean a boring jog or tedious run either – walking, hiking, nordic walking, climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, swimming, sailing, scrambling and any number of fun outdoor activities all count as exercise. Get that adrenalin pumping and the calories burning!!

So why not make the most of your New Year’s resolution – exercise outdoors for better health, vitality and fitness and come and see us here in Snowdonia for the ultimate outdoor adventure, and get fit at the same time! See you out there…….

Image by Cheryl Empey on freeimages.com