The warmer months are here and that means lots of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy Niagara!

Let’s be real: The winter months are tough for our physical health and well-being. Between the cold weather and the reduced access to gyms during the pandemic, many of us are having a harder time staying physically active.

Thankfully, when you live in a region as beautiful as Niagara, there are many areas where you can exercise and enjoy the outdoors!

Let’s explore some of the ways you can stay fit around the Niagara region!

Though most of us have spent more time indoors over the past year, it’s not only because of the pandemic. People now spend an average of 93% of their time indoors. Now more than any other time in history, we spend less time on nature-based outdoor activities - 25% less since the beginning of the 1990s.

Being in nature reduces your stress and your blood pressure, helping you get the most out of your physical exercise. Nature can also make you feel calmer and more relaxed in your environment.

If you’re a runner, you’ll likely notice a difference in your performance when exercising outdoors. Not only is the scenery more enjoyable than what you might see while running on your treadmill, but you’ll activate more of your muscles. When you run outdoors, you navigate the natural terrain, including puddles and hills. This helps you build strong muscles and improve your balance.

Even if you’re not a runner, you can still reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Research at Brock University found that walking in nature will improve your mood more than walking in an urban area. In the study, participants who walked through the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site in St. Catharines reported a more positive change in their mood. 

Why not test it out yourself by walking one of the site’s trails? Or, visit one of the many other greenspaces found across the Niagara region. 

As REALTORS®, we are spoiled because we get to showcase the beauty of Niagara each and every day. We rounded up some of our favourite greenspaces in Niagara, such as Burgoyne Woods Park and Sunset Beach, and why they’re worth visiting for outdoor exercise. 

Our McGarr Realty team truly loves Niagara and we’d be happy to show you the best this area has to offer. If you’re looking for the perfect home that’s close to some of the best parks and greenspace, our knowledgeable team is here to help!

Call our office at 905-687-9229 in St. Catharines, or 905-468-9229 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Or send us a message on our contact page, HERE.

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