Why bother going outdoors to get your pulse up? We have exercise machines and technically can stay fit indoors if we want to these days. However, for some the allure of spinning or step mastering is just not great enough to get us pumping on a regular basis. For others who do the gym on a regular basis (we encourage this!), it is still important to get that extra kick outdoors on a regular basis.

Modern research is showing that walking in a beautiful outdoor environment may do more for us than walking on a treadmill. There are psychological processes that recreating in the outdoors can set off that have positive effects on us physically.

At nordicwellbeing.com we believe that we can solve our modern fitness dilemma - too little motion, interest, options and time- by pursuing any of the following:

• make some form of outdoor activity your life habit;
• find outdoor activities where you can recreate with other people if you don't like being alone;
• don't overdo it - stop to notice the beauty which will make you come back for more;
• enjoy outdoor activity with your children;
• do something outdoors that is creative or productive if you find it hard to focus on doing pure exercise;
• vary your outdoor routines with the seasons.
  

Since enjoying the outdoors is also about learning about how to recreate in it, we provide you with many of the tools that you need to get started and to get out on your own or with family and friends.

Enviromentalist and Geographer Sara Borgström introduces you to her natural world in the Nordic region and with this gives you the inspiration to explore your own. Visit Sara's Green Room.

Enjoy our archive of previous outdoor features, below.

A Walk in the Park With the assistance of environmental consultant and nature guide, Sara Borgström, we take a closer look at what parks actually mean to us and why Sweden is celebrating its national parks this 2009.

An Optimistic Adventure You can become a devoted sailor at any time in life and experience the spiritual relationship to nature that sailing is all about. But the chance of developing a real passion is higher at an early age. We check out the Optimist Dinghy.

Back to the ForestWhy do so many of us wherever we are find a stroll in the forest calming and energy-giving? Couldn't we get the same from just strolling down the street? We give you 8 good reasons to go back to the forest.

Barely Outdoors You can walk barefoot this summer safely in the knowledge that it not only feels good but that it is most likely good for you in ways that you didn’t know about.

Chicken Soup for the Cold We give you three good reasons not to forget the chicken soup and provide an unbeatable chicken soup recipe.

Cross-country for Body & Soul In this article Jessica Petersson and Jonas Rejdemo, ski instructors at Fjätervålen Ski Resort near Idre in Sweden, tell us why and how to get the most out of this often underrated ancient skiing technique.

Cross-country: Getting Equipped We draw on the expertise of Jan Martinsson who equips hundreds of people on a daily basis at the height of the skiing season in Fjätervålen, Sweden.

20 Great Ideas for Wellbeing in the Outdoors If you look out of your window right now, even if you live in the city, you will see some of those best things that are free for the taking right now: the air, the sunshine, the trees, the park, the birds. In this article we explore 20 great ideas for your wellbeing in the outdoors. The good news? It’s free.
(Part 1 of 100 Great Ideas for Wellbeing in Hard Times)

Happy Trekking Feet Here we present our ideas on what to consider when choosing footwear. We explain exactly what to go for so that your day in the outdoors doesn't get cut short.

Nature Through a Lens In this article we hear from and about Claes Grundsten, one of Scandinavia’s top nature photographers, and the powerful source of wellbeing that experiencing nature through a lens can be.

Nordic Walking Originally from Finland, Nordic Walking is an activity which is rapidly growing in popularity. It is suitable for all people, regardless of age or sex, and is particularly good for families, since it is more fun and beneficial than ordinary walking, while it is low in cost and not difficult to master.

Outdoors the Nordic Way: We talk to outdoor life historian Klas Sandell about the Nordic tradition of 'friluftsliv' or free time outdoor life, why it is relevant to modern society and how we can increase interest among young people, in particular.

A Paddling Perspective What if you capsize? What if you cannot manage the current? What if you cannot get the canoe or kayak to go in the direction that you want it to? Set aside these concerns and enjoy yourself with our article about paddling.

Pace & Posture How you walk makes all of the difference to the workout that you get and how you feel during as well as after. Check our best tips for good posture & pace while walking.

Peace from the Saddle Horse riding and its rapid expansion during the past few years in Scandinavia is linked to a number of trends, not least the desire to experience one’s surroundings at a calmer pace and in a way that people have done in this part of the world for many thousands of years.

Rethinking Playgrounds A Finnish initiative is taking a new look at playgrounds and how their roles can be expanded to meet today’s and future needs.

Thinking Positive in the Wilderness In this feature article, we consider the experience of a remarkable Norwegian wilderness adventurer, who has undertaken journeys that most of us would never contemplate, yet whose inspiration and thoughts we can benefit from in approaching our own nature experiences.

Survival & Wellbeing Lars Fält, one of Scandinavia´s leading wilderness survival experts, author of eight books and founder of the Swedish Defense Ministry´s Survival School, is finding that his experience of surviving in the wild has a mainstream relevance, and he is reaching out to companies and kids alike.

Swedish Golf: Everyman's Sport in Nature Florida transplant and Swedish golf expert, Gene Oberto, tells us more about why playing golf in Sweden is an experience for everyone, serious and casual golfers alike, and introduces us to his new site, Swedish Golf On-line.

Warming up for Winter Action Warm up for winter action with 10-15 minutes of simple exercises that can make all of the difference.

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