Green Exercise Clinics

Need an extra boost of motivation to stay healthy? The accountability and encouragement of a group exercise dynamic may be just what you need to keep moving toward your fitness goals.

Socialize while you exercise by trying out any of these types of green exercise clinics in our parks:

• Zumba is a workout featuring dance movements inspired by various styles of Latin American cultures, performed to music.

• Yoga incorporates breathing exercises, stretching, meditation, and poses that encourage relaxation and reduce stress.

• Tai chi is a form of martial arts that appears to have benefits not only for balance, fitness, and flexibility but also for the relief of pain and depression.

Zumba classes outdoors get people moving.

NPS/Kirke Wrench

These exercises are often done indoors, but taking them outside means that you get the added benefit of being surrounded by nature.

Yoga in the park helps people find their zen.

NPS Photo

Each activity benefits you not only physically, but also mentally and socially. Yoga and tai chi provide opportunities to boost energy, release tension and improve muscle tone and flexibility. Zumba is a great way to get your heartrate up, build strength, improve balance and flexibility, and maximize your energy.

Tai chi in nature means fresh air and meditation.

NPS Photo

Plus the social connections created during each of these group exercise can boost your overall health. Research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off on us. When we’re around healthy people, we become healthier too!

Who can benefit from green exercise clinics in our parks?

People of all ages and abilities can benefit from parks. This is especially true for populations who use parks infrequently including:

• minorities

• low-income populations

• people with disabilities

Other priority populations who can benefit include:

• youths

• seniors

• active military and veterans

The National Park Service has identified green exercise clinics as a Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practice. Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practices are science-informed programs and policies in parks that can help people lead happier, healthier, more productive lives.