GREEN EXERCISE = FITNESS + NATURE / BIOPHILIC DESIGN
GREEN EXERCISE RESEARCH
Millions of years of evolutionary history has ensured that human history is intricately interwoven with that of Mother Nature; in an increasingly urbanized modern world, we are therefore drawn to reconnect with her again through our built environment. Biofit aims to contribute tangible scientific data to corroborate this through biophilia research to illustrate the additional health and wellness benefits of combining nature and fitness.
BENEFITS OF bioPHILIA + Exercise COMBINED
During our 4-week showroom in January 2017, we commissioned the UKActive Research Institute and the University of Essex Green Exercise team to carry out the world’s first scientific biophilic design case study into “indoor green exercise”.
The definition of “green exercise” is that it combines the known psychological and physiological benefits of exercise itself with exposure to natural environment.
We specifically wanted to examine the impact Biofit’s sessions of natural fitness in an indoor biophilic gym had on mental health and wellbeing.
Our hypothesis was that we could effectively recreate the benefits of being outdoors… and if we could do it in a gym, why not also in an apartment, hotel room or co-working too?
To discuss this research project or an idea for your own research brief we can help with, contact us via email.
Journal articles on the benefits of green exercise in nature
BIOPHILIA RESEARCH - OTHER REFERENCES
+ Useful web links
An Ear For Nature by Terrapinn, Browning & Walker (2019)
Healthy Office - why wellness is the new green, The Fifth Estate (2017)
BUPA - Workplace wellness & Mental Health report
Nature Design for Better Health, Roger S. Ulrich
The Economics of Biophilia, Terrapinn
Green is Good For You, American Psychological Association
Biophilic Design in the Workplace, Prof. Cary Cooper
Going Green In the Workspace, Prof. Cary Cooper
Green Offices Keep Staff Healthy & Happy, World Green Building Council
Forest Bathing Enhances Human Natural Killer Activity and Expression of Anti-cancer Proteins, Tsunetsugu Y1, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y
The Cost Effectiveness of Addressing Public Health Priorities Through Improved Access to the Natural Outdoors, Valuing Nature, 2017
The Importance of Green Space for Mental Health, Jo Barton & Mike Rogerson, 2017
A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experience: More Than Meets The Eye. Lara S. Franco, Danielle F. Shanahan, and Richard A. Fuller (2017)
Green Mind Theory: How Brain-Body-Behaviour Links into Natural and Social Environments for Healthy Habits. Pretty, Rogerson & Barton (2017)
The Health Benefits of Urban Nature: How Much Do We Need? Shanahan et al, BioScience (2015)
40-second Green Roof Views Sustain Attention: The Role of Micro-Breaks in Attention Restoration, Kate Lee, e al (2015)
Occlusion of sight, sound and smell during Green Exercise influences mood, perceived exertion and heart rate, Wooller, J. J., Barton, J., Gladwell, V. F., & Micklewright, D. (2015)
The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness, Colin A. Capaldi, Raelyne L. Dopko, and John M. Zelenski
The great outdoors: How a green exercise environment can benefit all. Gladwell VF, Brown, DK, Wood CJ, Sandercock GR and Barton JL (2013)
Therapeutic effect of forest bathing on human hypertension in the elderly.Mao G.X., Cao, Y.B., Lan, X.G., He, Z.H., Chen, Z.M., Wang, Y.Z., Hu, X.L., Lv, Y.D., Wang, G.F., Yan, J. (2012).
Does Participating in Physical Activity in Outdoor Natural Environments Have a Greater Effect on Physical and Mental Well-being than Physical Activity Indoors? A Systematic Review. Thomson Koon J, Boddy K, Stein K, Whear R, Barton J et al (2011).
What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health. A multi-study analysis. Barton J and Pretty, J. (2010)
What Is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health. Barton, J. & J. Pretty (2010)
Green Exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning. Pretty J, Peacock J, Hine R, Sellens M, South N et al (2007).
Physiological Effects in Humans Induced by the Visual Stimulation of Room Interiors with Different Wood Quantities, Tsunetsugu, Y., Y. Miyazaki, & H. Sato (2007).
Greenspace, urbanity, and health: how strong is the relation? Maas, J., Verheij, R., Groenewegen, P., de Vries, S., Spreeuwenberg, P. (2006).
Shinrin-yoku (forest-air bathing and walking) effectively decreases blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Ohtsuka, Y., Yabunaka, N., Takayama, S. (1998).