Why Outdoor Exercise is Essential for NDIS participants
It’s highly important for everyone to maintain strong physical health, especially in the outdoors, as it is a very enriching way to exercise. This goes doubly so for people participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Not only does it offer physical health benefits, but it also supports mental well-being and social engagement. In this article, we'll explore why outdoor exercise is essential for participants involved in the NDIS.
Physical Health Benefits
There are a variety of benefits that come with engaging in outdoor exercise. Firstly is cardiovascular health, as this improves blood circulation, as well as reduces the risk of heart failure. Outdoor fitness exercises also help maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and helpful for gaining independence from everyday life. Meanwhile, weight-bearing exercises performed outdoors, such as brisk walking or resistance training, can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Finally, good and stable outdoor exercises can help achieve better balance in their own body as well as navigating unstable terrain, which is a vital skill to have as it prevents falls. This is why doing outdoor exercise in a park is fantastic for your physical health.
Mental Health Benefits
There are also a variety of mental health benefits for doing outdoor workout exercises specifically due to the outdoor factor. Some NDIS people might feel demotivated to go outside due to physical difficulties around leaving their homes. However, one cannot overlook the positive benefits that come from being outside and soaking up the sunshine. Being outside is proven to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood lifters. These are great at reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Meanwhile, the outdoors and the stimulation from wind, sunshine, and the sounds of nature naturally inspire tranquility within the mind and are fantastic for a person’s mental health. Therfore, doing outdoor exercise in a park and naturally enjoying the outdoors is fantastic for everyone’s health.
Tips for Doing Safe Outdoor Fitness Exercises
While it’s all well and easy to encourage people to go outside, the reality is that not everyone has the capabilities to go outdoors. Safety is paramount when it comes to outdoor exercise, especially if your condition makes you a fall risk or impacts your day-to-day coordination. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Consult with Healthcare Providers
Before starting any new exercise routine, it's important to consult with your healthcare providers and carers to ensure the chosen activities are appropriate. If you have mobility difficulties, make sure you’re supervised or with peers in case you need help.
Start Slowly
There’s no need to go all out when you’re doing outdoor exercises. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of workouts to avoid injury. Keep an eye on how you’re feeling, and rest often. The more you exercise, the longer and harder you’ll be able to train, but don’t worry about going too fast. Everyone travels at their own pace.
Stay Hydrated and Dress Appropriately
Always make sure to bring water along to stay hydrated. Water is vital, especially during the summer months in Australia. This also goes for wearing appropriate clothing for exercise, wearing a hat, and using sunscreen. Doing these things will protect you from sunstroke and skin cancer.
Incorporating Outdoor Exercise into Daily Life
Making outdoor exercise a regular part of life can be challenging for some depending on their condition, but there are many ways you can incorporate being outdoors into your routine:
Schedule Regular Sessions
Set aside specific times each week for outdoor workouts, just as you would for any other appointment. It can be as simple as venturing outside your home for a set amount of time, or even just enjoying the weather outside for a few minutes. Every bit helps!
Join a Group
There are many communities that offer outdoor fitness classes or walking groups. Find one that goes at a similar pace to you and does similar exercises. Doing this not only provides a weekly time to go outside, but it also encourages social interaction.
Explore Local Parks
If you live close to any nearby parks or nature reserves, exploring them when you have the chance can be highly engaging.
Partner with an NDIS Physio
By working with an NDIS-accredited mobile physiotherapist, you can schedule appointments outdoor to do physical therapy exercises and workouts at a pace you’re comfortable with and specifically adapted to your condition.
Partner with Power Physio to Start Your Outdoor Fitness Journey
As you have just read, outdoor exercise offers numerous benefits for NDIS participants. From enhancing physical health to boosting mental well-being and encouraging social interaction, the advantages are clear.
If you’re trying to incorporate outdoor workout exercises into your NDIS plan, you absolutely can do so with Power Physio. At Power Physio, we provide highly convenient mobile physiotherapy that can be conducted in your backyard or in a nearby park. We bring all the outdoor fitness equipment as well as a detailed plan that is scheduled to your specific needs. If you’re in need of a certified NDIS physio who can do carefully adapted exercises specific to your condition, you’ve come to the right place. Feel free to reach out to us so we can understand what kind of support you need and schedule an appointment.