Forest Bathing or Urban Parks?

As exercise programs move outdoors, fit pros may want to offer activities in truly natural settings whenever possible. Forest bathing in an actual forest, in contrast to walking in an urban park, provides superior health benefits, according to findings reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022; 19 [6], 3451).

National Taiwan University researchers in Taipei investigated what, if any, different effects would occur in the two settings. Participants who walked in forests had healthier metrics for heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac output than those who walked in urban parks. While activity in any greenspaces is beneficial, a more natural environment, like with forest bathing, results in a more positive impact on heart health. Researchers could not identify reasons for the difference.

See also: Prepare Clients for the Hiking Trail