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Health

Why exercising outdoors is better for your health

Numerous studies have found that exercising outside has a slight edge on boosting both our physical and mental health, even when the conditions outside are less than ideal

By Grace Wade

19 February 2025

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

“The most important aspect of your workout routine is that you enjoy it”

Islandstock / Alamy Stock Photo

As you may remember from my previous column, I am determined to tick running a half marathon off my bucket list this year. Well, I have already hit my first roadblock. Turns out, I despise running on a treadmill, as I have been forced to do thanks to an especially frigid winter here in New York City. All that time spent staring at the blank wall while my feet thud away on the machine really got me thinking: is it actually…

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