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Air Quality and Exercise

Particulate Matter and Air Quality
Particulate matter is a broad term used to describe solid particles sometimes found in the air. These particles are coarse in nature and some can even be seen with the naked eye, like dust particles or soot. The particles may come from cars and trucks that stir up dust on the road, factory emissions and windblown dirt on trails. This form of pollution may impair respiratory function and decrease lung function, especially with exercise.

Imagine this, it’s early morning and you are stepping lightly over grass and fallen leaves, your feet sinking into the softness underfoot. Thoughts of the coming day enter your mind—you let them pass. Feeling through your feet, the ground seems to be talking to you. Completely focused, you feel the muscles down the entire length of your legs flex and release as you move. The tightness in your hips and aches in your knees have melted away. Your skin begins to break a light sweat as your pace increases. Your body feels alive with adrenalin, endorphins, and energy.
 

Why is it so important for us to connect with nature and be outdoors? Because mounting research shows the profound effect that fresh air, plants, trees and natural outdoor elements have on our health and well being. When you spend time outdoors, especially being active, you can lift your mood, think more positively, feel more internal calm and greater harmony with the world around you.

Recent studies have shown that being in a natural, outdoor environment is one of the very best things you can do for your health:

It’s easy to forget when we spend too much time indoors that we need sunlight for our basic well being. The amount of natural light we take in has an effect on our mood and our physical health. Sunlight directly affects the levels of serotonin and the hormone melatonin created in our bodies. When we have sufficient serotonin levels, we feel suffused with a sense of well being—we feel calm, alert, capable.