New Study Finds Exercising Outdoors Is 'Superior' To The Gym Or City: 'Our Brain Loves Nature'

New Study Finds Exercising Outdoors Is 'Superior' To The Gym Or City: 'Our Brain Loves Nature'

New Study Finds Exercising Outdoors Is 'Superior' To The Gym Or City: 'Our Brain Loves Nature' Scientists already know that nature is medicine, with some doctors even prescribing visits to national parks as a way to reduce stress and inflammation.  But researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Verona were curious to know how nature compares to other environments when people are already doing something good for their health: Exercising. “It is not new or surprising that nature is good for our health. But there has been a lack of research examining both the mental and physical effects of exercise in nature compared to the gym and the city,” Stefano De Dominicis, professor in the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports at the University of Copenhagen, said.  “Our study shows that nature is superior to the other two environments in several areas.” In fact, an hour of brisk walking in the forest, on the beach, or in a green park reduces stress hormo…