Obesity has become a significant issue in the United States over the past few decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults are obese. In addition, obesity-related conditions account for about $147 billion in health care costs each year.
Many factors contribute to obesity, including genetics, diet, and physical activity. But one of the most significant contributors is the environment. In recent years, the food industry has been marketing unhealthy foods to children and adults, and many Americans are now eating more calories than they need.
There are several steps to reducing obesity in the United States. One of the best ways is by doing outdoor sports.
Benefits of Outdoor Sports
Indoor sports play a fundamental role in human development, but outdoor sports also have many benefits.
Outdoor sports improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. They also enhance cognitive function and increase creativity.
They can also have physical health benefits. They can help to reduce obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Outdoor sports also strengthen bones and muscles and reduce the risk of injuries.
Additionally, outdoor sports can expose you to nature, unlike indoor sports in controlled environments. This can have a positive effect on your mood and mental health.
Finally, outdoor sports can have social and community benefits. They can help people make new friends and connect with others in their community. Outdoor sports can also provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork. This is something that indoor sports often don’t have.
Best Outdoor Sports
If you don’t know where to start, here are some of the best outdoor sports:
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent choice if you want to burn calories, reduce stress, and improve your heart health. It’s also low impact, so it’s easy on your joints. In addition, it burns around 400 calories per hour, making it a great way to lose weight.
Hiking
Hiking is another great way to reduce stress, improve your heart health, and burn calories. It’s also great to get some fresh air and connect with nature. Hiking can burn around 300- 400 calories per hour.
Running
Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and lose weight. It’s also low impact, so it’s easy on your joints. Running can burn around 600 calories per hour.
If you want to start some outdoor sports, you will need the best equipment. Here is some essential gear you’ll need that’ll help you perform the best when you’re doing these outdoor sports.
Apparel
Apparel is crucial when it comes to outdoor sports. If you want to do any of these outdoor sports, you will need a jacket that can protect you from the elements. That’s why you need to invest in an urban technical coat. This kind of jacket has fabric that’s water and wind-resistant. It also has a hood to protect your head from the rain.
Another piece of apparel you will need is a pair of water-resistant pants. These kinds of pants are made with water and wind-resistant fabric. They also have zippered pockets to keep your belongings safe while doing outdoor sports.
Shoes
Shoes are crucial for any outdoor sport. It helps you grip the ground well and protects your feet. There are many different types of shoes you can choose from depending on the outdoor sport you want to do.
For example, if you want to do some running, you will need a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes have cushioned soles that help absorb impact. They also have a good grip, so you can run on any terrain without slipping.
If you’re going to do some hiking, you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots have a waterproof exterior and a comfortable interior. They also have a good grip, so you can hike on any terrain without slipping.
Smartwatch
A smartwatch is an excellent piece of equipment for outdoor sports. A smartwatch can track your heart rate, steps, and calories burned. It can also notify you if you get a phone call or text message.
Some smartwatches also have GPS so that you can track your location. This is great for hiking and running because you can see how far you’ve gone and where you are.
A smartwatch is an excellent piece of equipment because it can help track your progress and motivate you to keep going. Some of the best smartwatch includes the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin. The average cost is around $200.
Headphones
Headphones are great for outdoor sports because they can help you stay focused. Headphones can also block distractions so that you can concentrate on your sport.
There are many different types of headphones you can choose from. For example, there are wireless headphones that don’t have any cords. This is great for outdoor sports because you won’t have to worry about the cord tangled. There are also noise-canceling headphones that can help block out any noise from the outside world.
There you have it! These are some of the best outdoor sports and the essential equipment you’ll need to start. With this equipment, you can perform the best and enjoy your outdoor sports.