Outdoors with Carly has come around because of my love of the great outdoors and the health benefits that come with that – both physical and mental.

Being outside and/or exercising has huge benefits - it can lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate which improves your sense of well-being. The great outdoors has amazing positive effects on its own but add exercise to the mix and these positive effects are exacerbated. People who exercise regularly get a huge sense of satisfaction. I have never regretted going for a run but do occasionally regret not going for that run…

Studies have indicated that you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic and that age and fitness level don’t generally matter.  A moderate activity for a relatively short amount of time will boost your mood. A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan school of public health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26% in addition to relieving symptoms. Also, maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent relapse.

As a general rule, humans like being with other humans so exercising in a group makes people feel good, exercise keeps our bodies fitter and healthier which gives confidence. 

From talking to people I am finding the biggest difficulty for many people is getting out of the door; its so much warmer in the house or more comfy in pyjamas, lack of motivation or tiredness, some people feel uncomfortable or don’t like unfamiliar surroundings. Exercising in groups gives accountability as well as friendship and something in common with everyone else in the group.