If you want to get as many benefits as possible from your workout, you might want to skip the gym.

A new study from the University of Glasgow shows that while your body may benefit equally from exercise in the gym, your mind prefers nature.

“Physical activity in natural environments is associated with a reduction in the risk of poor mental health to a greater extent than physical activity in other environments,” the study’s authors wrote.

Want to make a lasting impact on your mental health?

Just use a natural environment for your workout every week.

“Each additional use of a natural environment per week is associated with about a 6% lower risk of poor mental health,” the study’s authors wrote.

As a cyclist, I have to agree with this study. I feel much more relaxed and at ease outdoors than I do on a stationary bike. The few times I've attempted becoming a regular gym-goer, I wasn’t able to stick with it due to boredom, but I ride my bike every day without even thinking about it.

Maybe it’s because I live in the city, but anytime I get the opportunity to exercise in nature, I take it.

What do you think? Do you prefer exercising outdoors? Do you find you feel more relaxed and calm after a workout in nature as opposed to the gym?

-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

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