The Benefits of Doing Pilates Outdoors (And 3 Tips for Staying Comfortable)

Pilates is one of the best workouts for physical and mental health, encouraging you to engage your muscles, mind, and breathing to enhance your strength and endurance. Regular practice can even lead to adopting better health habits and help you feel better about your overall well-being. Bringing Pilates outside may have even more benefits, as the outdoor environment also plays a role in shaping the body and mind. Here are some of the benefits of doing Pilates outdoors and tips for staying comfortable during your session:

The benefits of outdoor Pilates

Physical fitness

Pilates offers an amazing full-body workout no matter where you do it, but outdoor Pilates can provide more chances to work up a sweat. You can walk to a nearby park to do your session, serving as a quick warm-up. The outdoor environment can also give an extra challenge by helping you tackle uneven surfaces. Nature can also let you get creative with movements using trees or rocks. 

Cognitive health

Exercise is already great for your cognitive function, but bringing your Pilates workout outdoors can bring even more perks for your brain. A study published in the Scientific Reports journal found that a 15-minute walk outside elevated neural responses often linked to attention and working memory, compared to a 15-minute indoor walk that didn’t produce the same results. Simply being outside has great cognitive benefits as those resulting from acute exercise. You can sharpen your brain by regularly doing Pilates outside.

Mental health

Being outdoors has amazing mental health benefits, from reducing stress to improving sleep. When you’re exposed to calming environments and natural sunlight, your body and mind are rejuvenated. Combining these properties of nature and the outdoors with Pilates can add an extra boost to your well-being. Pilates encourages you to control your breathing and be aware of your body, allowing you to let go of the present’s worries and stay mindful of yourself. 

How to stay comfortable for outdoor Pilates

Bring the right gear

While you don’t need a ton of equipment for an outdoor Pilates session, it helps pack the essentials to keep you comfortable outside. Your mat is one of the most essential items, but a regular yoga mat you’d likely use indoors may be too thin for the terrain, whether you’re on grass or concrete. A thicker mat can add padding for extra comfort, but if you don’t have one, you can bring a beach towel and place it over your mat for cushioning. A reusable water bottle can also keep you hydrated and replenish your body’s water when you sweat. If you have two, you can even use them as props!

Wear sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must for protecting your precious eyes outside. UV rays can cause bright glare or eye sunburns that impede your vision and can increase your risk for long-term eye conditions. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection should be your top priority, and a flattering and well-fitting frame ensures they won’t slip off during your exercises.
Reading sunglasses are a great option for clarity and are multi-functional while still being great for doing Pilates outdoors. Readers.com showcases the various types available, like The Mary Reading Sunglasses that are fully magnified or The Drama Bifocal Reading Sunglasses with a reader insert. They’re ideal if you’re an older adult who may be struggling with vision changes. So, make sure to buy a pair with glasses straps or ear hooks so they won’t fall off during your outdoor Pilates session.

Apply sunscreen

Like your eyes, your skin is vulnerable to the sun’s rays. Sunscreen can protect your exposed skin, prevent sunburns, and keep your risk of skin cancer at bay. Not just any sunscreen will do; look for broad-spectrum sunscreen to defend against UVA and UVB rays and an SPF of 30 or higher. Sweat and water-resistant sunscreen like Shiseido’s Ultimate Sunscreen Protector Lotion is also great for tough Pilates sessions, especially if you’re going to be outside in the heat. It can even add more protection when you sweat.

Article written by Tracey Craig

Exclusively for absolutepilates.co