We can’t run from the fact that we’re fast approaching the rainy season. Autumn quickly rolls into winter, and with it come darker clouds, wetter conditions, and a general excuse to stay indoors. While there’s nothing wrong with getting cosy and enjoying outdoor activities, there’s a unique charm to be found in embracing whatever the elements throw at you and walking in the rain. In fact, beyond the initial hesitation of getting a bit wet, rainy walks can bring about a huge range of unexpected benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Let’s dive into the benefits of walking in the rain as we encourage you to continue exploring the great outdoors no matter what the conditions are like.
It’s Good For Your Physical Health
Regardless of the weather conditions, the obvious benefit of walking is the positive impact on your physical health. Even at a leisurely pace, walking burns a surprisingly high amount of calories and counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity for every adult each week.
The rain can also act as a motivator to walk and move faster. Scientists have actually looked into this and concluded that exercising in the rain burns more calories than in dry weather, proving that there are significant physical health benefits to be unlocked from walking in the rain. Obviously, getting soaked will be pretty unpleasant, but as long as you’re wearing a moisture-wicking waterproof jacket like the Red Original Active Jacket, you’re good to go. Available for men and women, the breathable but 5k-rated waterproof fabric will keep you dry as you take strides to improve your physical fitness in wet conditions.
The Air Is Cleaner
Another surprising health benefit of walking in the rain is that the air is actually much cleaner during or after a downpour. When it rains, the water washes away impurities and pollutants that might be hanging about in the air. The air that is left behind contains much less dust and allergens than the air during dry spells, so breathing this in by walking in the rain can have a hugely positive impact on your respiratory health.