A collaborative systematic review by authors at the Universities of Exeter and Essex, suggests that exercising in nature offers greater improvements in mental and physical well being, compared to exercising indoors.
A total of 833 adults were included in the review, which looked at eleven controlled trials. Exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement, along with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. People also expressed greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity, and stated a greater intent to repeat it.
(Does Participating in Physical Activity in Outdoor Natural Environments have a greater effect on Physical and Mental Wellbeing than Physical Activity Indoors? A Systematic Review. Environmental Science & Technology Journal, March 2011.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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