Why I get some of my clients to exercise outdoors

One thing I prioritise with almost every client is getting them outside, out into the real world.

Outdoor environments introduce natural variability: uneven pavements, visual distractions, weather, passing cars. This challenges balance, coordination, and reaction time in ways a controlled indoor space can’t.

Being outdoors also stimulates vision, balance, and body awareness together, supporting reaction speed, fall prevention, and safe community mobility.

Just as importantly, walking outside builds real-world confidence, helping older adults trust their movement instead of becoming cautious or avoidant.

Exercising outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms more than indoor exercise. Especially in clients who tend to avoid going out if possible due to fear of falling, it can take just seconds before telling me how glad they feel to be outside.

The goal isn’t just to move well in a clinic. It’s to move confidently where life actually happens, whatever that means for the individual.

📸 Today’s session: cones, (brief) sunshine, and real-world walking skills in action.