This story originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of Cincinnati Health & Life Magazine.

Sure, a climate-controlledgym with all the bells and whistlescan be a pleasant place to workout, especially in winter, but sciencesuggests there are powerful benefits toleading an active lifestyle in the greatoutdoors.

When the weather permits, takeyour activity out in nature for a varietyof benefits to body, mind and soul.Writer Laura Ingalls Wilder was on tosomething when she said, “Some old fashionedthings, like fresh air andsunshine, are hard to beat.” And now,there’s research to support her claim.

Boost Energy and Reduce Tension

For example, a team from England’sPeninsula College of Medicine andDentistry analyzed 11 trials that includedmore than 800 adults. They found that,when compared with indoor exercise,outdoor exercise was associated withincreased energy and revitalization, aswell as decreased confusion, anger,depression and tension.

Outdoor exercisers also reportedenjoying their workouts more, andwere more likely to say they plannedto repeat them than exercisers whowere holed up inside a gym. Many alsohad lower levels of cortisol (a hormoneproduced in response to stress) thantheir indoor counterparts, and saidexposure to sunlight improved theirmood. In addition, people who walkedoutdoors completed an average of 30minutes more exercise per week thanthose who exercised indoors.

So, which outdoor activities providethe greatest benefit? Walking is at thetop of the list. It boosts cardio, is gentleon the joints, strengthens bones, can bedone almost anywhere and is free. Froma mental-health standpoint, it can reducestress, improve mood and spark creativity.

• Related:6 Ways to Improve Brain Health 

Gardening is another favorite outdooractivity for many. It promotes tranquilityand relaxation, and has many physicalbenefits as well.

According to the Centers for DiseaseControl, moderate activity, such asactive gardening, for as little as twoand-a-half hours each week can reducerisk of obesity, high blood pressure,Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokeand depression.

Keep it Simple and Start Kids Early

Outdoor activities can be as simple asteaching a grandchild to ride a bike,shooting hoops with friends, hiking orgoing for a brisk swim.

If you have children, introduce themto outdoor fun at an early age. They’ll bemore likely to carry your example intotheir teen and adult years, when stressbustingand health-enhancing activitiesbecome even more vital.

Being active outdoors lets you improveyour fitness, while enjoying nature andrelieving daily stress in the process. Nowthat’s what we call effective multitasking.