The benefits of exercise

Improved physical health: Regular exercise contributes to better cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances overall fitness levels. It also reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Weight management: Engaging in physical activity burns calories and increases metabolism, resulting in even more calories burned.

Increased energy levels: Physical activity boosts energy levels by improving circulation and oxygen flow in the body. It also enhances stamina, leading to reduced feelings of fatigue throughout the day.

Improved cognitive function: Physical activity enhances brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the growth of new brain cells, improving memory, concentration and problem-solving skills.

Reduced stress: Physical activity reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. It also helps clear the mind and promotes relaxation.

Enhanced mood: Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, or happy hormones, while alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Better sleep: Exercise promotes deeper, more restorative sleep by regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It can lessen the effects of insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome as well.

Social interaction and connection: Participating in group sports or classes provides opportunity for connection with others. It can help build relationships, foster a sense of community, and combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Boosted self-esteem and confidence: Regular exercise improves body image by enhancing physical appearance while also fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

The benefits of outdoor exercise

Improved respiratory health: Breathing in fresh air while exercising enhances lung function. Clean air free of pollutants also decreases the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Raised Vitamin D levels: Exposure to sunlight stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health, immune function and mood regulation.

Improved cognitive function: Outdoor exercise requires higher cognitive function as you navigate unfamiliar terrain. This can enhance skills such as attention, memory and problem-solving.

Better sleep: Exercising outdoors, especially during daylight hours, helps regulate the body's internal clock and sleep-wake cycle, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.

Stress reduction: Simply spending time in nature, exercising or not, has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

Types of exercise to enjoy outdoors

Make the most of each setting and find types of exercise that you enjoy - jogging or hiking along nature trails, yoga on the beach, cycling along the coastline and discovering new places to explore. Remember to incorporate strength training as well as cardio, perhaps picking up heavy objects along the way or doing a pull-up on a tree branch.

Conclusion

Regular exercise is associated with better health, longevity and quality of life. And the outdoors offers a variety of landscapes and sensory experiences that make exercise that much more enjoyable. Not only does nature soothe, but it can also motivate you to work harder, so improving the benefits of exercise.

Chiva-Som’s Nature’s Embrace retreat

Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s beachfront haven of verdant, landscape grounds makes for the ideal immersion in nature. Days unfold peacefully with meditation to the sound of gentle birdsong, meals overlooking the ocean, yoga in the gardens, and restful sleep lulled by the sound of the waves. Guests embarking on the Nature’s Embrace retreat will also enjoy a guided hike through the nearby hills, natural, organic cuisine, and relaxing wellness treatments that draw on the powers of all-natural ingredients to rejuvenate.

Chanyapak Suwankantha, Wellness Director, Chiva-Som Hua Hin

For 10 years, Chanyapak Suwankantha has been an integral part of Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s operations, holding several management positions, including Manager of Niranlada Medi-Spa (the resort’s aesthetics clinic) and Operations Manager, before being promoted to Wellness Director in 2022.

Responsible for guiding the resort’s pioneering health and wellness philosophy, Chanyapak is committed to developing new programmes and treatments that cater to the evolving needs, desires and goals of guests, whilst maintaining Chiva-Som’s position as a world-class leader in its field.

Empowering guests to embrace the profound impact holistic wellbeing has on overall health, Suwankantha develops the resort’s programmes and treatments to support sustainable, complete lifestyle transformations.