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- Title
Restorative effects of physical activity in forests and indoor settings.
- Authors
Hug, Stella-Maria; Hansmann, Ralf; Monn, Christian; Krütli, Pius; Seeland, Klaus
- Abstract
Monitoring restorative effects of physical activities in self-selected indoor and outdoor environments (fitness centers versus forests). A quasi-experimental study (N = 269) compared the physical and psychological benefits of exercise performed in urban fitness centers and in the urban forest. A questionnaire was distributed in four fitness centers and at four forest sites. Ratings of the restorative effects of physical activity on that specific occasion were elicited with respect to four criteria: participants were asked 1) to what extent they felt stressed before and after exercising, and 2) whether they suffered less from everyday hassles, 3) felt mentally more balanced afterward than before and, 4) whether their physical well-being had increased. Further questions addressed the duration and mode of travel to the exercise environment and attitudes towards the environment. Subjective perception of air quality at the site was assessed, and respondents rated whether air quality was an important factor in choosing the location of exercise. Independent of the location, exercising achieved substantial restorative outcomes. Feelings of everyday hassles and improvement in mental balance were more pronounced after exercise in the forest; increases in perceived physical well being and stress reduction were higher indoors. People exercising in the forest judged air quality to be better, were more reluctant to leave the exercise environment, and looked forward to their next session. Medical practitioners, health advisors and urban planners should take note that forests may support repeated exercise with positive health outcomes to a greater degree than other environments.
- Publication
International Journal of Fitness, 2008, Vol 4, Issue 2, p25
- ISSN
0973-2152
- Publication type
Academic Journal