- Contrary to what you might think, exercising in the rain is beneficial.
- Rain positively affects mental and physical health and can boost our performance.
Exercising in the rain has positive effects: When the sky is gray and it’s raining, all you want to do is stay at home, slump on the couch, read a book or watch a series. But what you don’t know is that rain can be an ally for your outdoor sports practice.
Rain, an unsuspected health ally
Do you ever listen to recordings of rain to calm yourself down during times of stress or to fall asleep more quickly? If yes and it works, it is normal. When rain falls, it makes a harmonious and hypnotic sound that immediately relaxes us. Rain also has a smell, petrichor. And this scent that fills the air after a downpour also has a calming effect.
Rain, moreover, allows the atmosphere to clean itself and get rid of pollutants and pollens. As a result, the air is healthier and therefore more breathable for people with allergies and asthma. Finally, the ambient humidity that accompanies rainy days is beneficial for hydrating the skin, but also the mucous membranes, nose, throat and eyes.
What activities can you do in the rain?
If you are not afraid of getting wet, put on your sports pants, sneakers and a waterproof jacket to go for a little jog in the rain. Running when the sky is crying is a good thing because the fresh ambient air makes it easier to evacuate body heat. For the more intrepid who are not afraid of mud, mountain biking can be a good activity to do in the rain. And since it’s raining and we’re already wet, why not try the whole thing by canoeing or scuba diving?
Precautions to take when practicing sports in the rain
Obviously, it is essential to be well equipped when you decide to train outdoors in the rain: choose waterproof clothing, but also reflective clothing in order to be clearly visible. We also cover our heads and opt for running shoes optimized for this type of weather conditions. These must adhere well to the ground so as not to slip. Finally, even if the rain hydrates the skin, we do not forget to drink water before, during and after practicing sports.
Practicing a sport is good for the body. We know that staying in motion allows our machine to function properly. It’s good for your muscles, heart and arteries, but it’s also good for your morale. Indeed, when you do sports, a real explosion of neurotransmitters occurs at the level of our central computer, namely the brain.
What exercises should you include in a vacation routine?
There is no need to go to the gym or run the equivalent of a half-marathon to do yourself good. A few exercises a day are enough to secrete the hormones of happiness! To tone your body, we favor core strengthening over weight training, for example. We can also do some abs and chair exercises which are very effective. We don’t hesitate to go out for hikes to combine exercise and pleasure, especially on vacation. Cycling, swimming or yoga are also recommended by doctors to stay in motion. Moreover, alternating different sports practices has a beneficial effect on serenity.
There’s advice to multiply the activities but practice in a moderate way. That is to say that we sweat a little, our breath is shorter, but we are still able to speak. Finally, there is no need to practice for a long time or every day: three times a week, at a rate of half an hour per day, is enough to do good to your body and your head. It is enoughh to boost morale and start again on a good basis.
What happens when we do sport?
When we practice a physical activity, we secrete endorphin, more commonly called the hormone of happiness, which inhibits pain and transports us into a cloud of euphoria. We also secrete serotonin, which is the anti-depression hormone par excellence. Indeed, this hormone helps to lower anxiety levels and brings serenity. Finally, when we do sports, we increase body temperature, which helps to relax the entire body, but also the mind.
