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Originally Posted On: https://www.iwantapersonaltrainer.co.uk/make-sutton-park-your-gym/

Getting back in shape or keeping fit doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to splash out on a gym membership.

Many people can be put off by the prices of some gyms and even though most are very affordable it is still a stumbling block.

This is why exercising in the great outdoors and, in particular, Sutton Park is so popular. Not only is it free but it has other health benefits too.

What makes Sutton Coldfield’s Famous Park so good?

If you live in Sutton Coldfield or anywhere around Birmingham or South Staffordshire then you have probably been to Sutton Park at least once.

As Europe’s largest municipal park, this 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve is popular for a variety of reasons. When it comes to exercise it has everything you need to keep fit in the natural beauty of the park. There are various 5km walking and jogging routes throughout the area and this means you can mix it up and take a different route each time you go for a walk or jog.

So, why is it beneficial to exercise outdoors?

Benefits of exercising outdoors

Exercising anywhere is good whether it is in a park, at a gym or even at home.

That being said, there are some benefits of heading to Sutton Park to improve your fitness levels.

#1 It can be better for your mental health

Exercising outdoors can have great benefits for your mental health as it can help boost your enthusiasm and self-esteem.

There are many studies that have shown a link between exercising outdoors and an increase in energy while demonstrating a decrease in depression, anger and tension. A lot of people find the prospect of exercising in an ever changing environment a bigger motivator than the static features of an indoor gym.

#2 You’ll get more Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is necessary for a healthy immune system, bone strength and it has also been linked with helping with depression too.

Where can you get vitamin D from? The sun.

OK, we might not be massively blessed with long sunny days in the UK. We get the most vitamin D from sunlight in the April to September period. During this spring/summer period you can boost your vitamin D naturally by regularly exercising outside.

#3 It won’t cost you anything… probably

One of the big benefits of using Sutton Park as your ‘gym’ is that it is free!

You don’t need to pay a membership to get in and you can stay as long as you like. The reason we wrote ‘probably’ is because you can always hire the services of a personal trainer and workout in Sutton Park.

It isn’t as expensive as you probably think and the benefits you get by using a PT far outweigh the cost associated with it. This includes a personalised training plan, motivation when you just aren’t feeling it as well as nutritional advice and other perks.

Make Sutton Park your gym in 2019

Sutton Park is a beautiful spot and exercising in the great outdoors has a wide range of benefits not only to your physical health but your mental health too.

Using Sutton Park as your gym can be a cost effective way of getting fit.

Even if you don’t want to give up your gym membership (especially in the cold and wet winter months!) head down to Sutton Park for a jog or walk. With accessible routes and great scenery you can really turn it into your own outdoor gym.