#17: Get outside

Summer is here, making it the perfect time to take your workouts outside. This week, discover how exercising in nature boosts brain health and overall well-being. 

Plus: 

• A wellness founder's longevity routine

• New drops for avid readers, runners, and mid-afternoon snackers 

• Check out our deal of the week to save big on a new gym bag 

Let’s go!
- Ash Read and Joe Niehaus

Indoor vs. outdoor exercise

Topline. Exercise offers numerous benefits for the brain. Lifting weights can be a form of PTSD therapy, running can improve your memory, and almost any form of movement helps relieve stress and boost your mood.

But does where you exercise matter? A recent study suggests it could be more beneficial to exercise in nature versus indoors.

Get outside. The study measured the impact of walking indoors or outdoors on cognitive abilities. It found walking outdoors led to:

• Faster reaction times

• Improved working memory 

• Enhanced attention span

The power of nature. According to Havard professor Heather Eliassen, “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration, increased positive emotions, and decreased anxiety and rumination.” Eliassen also notes that spending time in green spaces can improve mindfulness.

The bottom line: As indoor lifestyles become the norm, where we exercise can be just as important as what we do. Many of us rush to the gym before or after work, but simply getting outside might serve us better — hit the trails, take a brisk walk, or try an open-air workout.My 

My Health Stack by Robbie Bent

Each week in our Health Stack series, Wellworthy taps into its network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Robbie Bent. He’s the co-founder and chief executive officer of Othership, a sauna and ice-bath studio and breathwork app.

Othership delivers group and solo sessions to enhance mental and emotional well-being — through what Bent refers to as “peak experiences.”  With two locations in Canada, Othership is opening its first US location in New York City’s Flatiron District this summer.

Here’s Robbie’s Health Stack.

How I take care of myself:

• TruDiagnostics: “I used the aging product as part of a group challenge to see how fast I'm aging. I learned about it through Bryan Johnson and thought it was cool to have a single metric or score around longevity.”

• Prenuvo: “I recently became a Dad and became obsessed with knowing whether I am healthy. Love getting peace of mind from the early cancer detection.”

• Othership breathwork app: Othership helps you regulate your emotions and nervous system through guided breathwork. It uses slow, deep breathing techniques, to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling your body to relax. 

How stay in shape:

• Aviron Rower: “This makes it really easy to do zone 2 cardio when I’m taking calls or listening to podcasts. On days when I get some gentle cardio in, I feel much more grounded. It helps that I can stack this at home while working.”

• Hot-cold therapy: “We have this [custom-built 12-person sauna and cold plunge] in our backyard and the sauna includes a wifi connected Harvia stove. My wife and I use it for date nights to connect after a long day in front of the computer.”

What I consume:

• Mateina Yerba Mate and Ketone IQ: ”Last summer, I used Ketone IQ in the morning to replace my coffee (and would have my first single shot americano after 11 am). Recently I started, using Mateina sugarless Yerba Mate and the loose-leaf product and quit coffee altogether. I am finding that the energy from the traditional Yerba lasts longer with much less anxiety.”

• BodyHealth: I love their simple focus on the highest quality ingredients. I use the Amino tablets and Organ + daily.

• Equip Foods: ”The Peanut butter protein and colostrum are my favorite supplements on the market. A lot of days I can end up right into work and forget to eat. Prioritizing a shake with Athletic Greens, banana, avocado, equip protein, colostrum, almond butter, cinnamon, coconut milk, and cocoa powder once per day has been hugely helpful.”

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Just dropped: Colostrum from Bloom Nutrition

Supplement brand Bloom Nutrition, which gained popularity with its original greens powder, just released a colostrum and collagen peptides mix. The new formulation consists of colostrum, grass-fed collagen peptides, probiotics, and vitamin B12, which the brand says boosts gut health and enriches your hair, skin, and nails.

Colostrum, which is the milk that cows produce immediately after giving birth, has been an extremely hot ingredient in the health and wellness space recently. Enthusiasts say that it strengthens gut health, immunity, and muscle recovery. Get Bloom here.

More drops perfect for:

• Summer fun. Running brand Tracksmith partnered with African surfing brand Mami Wata on a limited-time summer collection. The line features quick-dry, Italian-fabric garments with unique ocean-inspired designs.  Shop here.

• Fall favorites. Heyday Canning Co., a canned foods startup, created a line of soups and chilis — with plenty of time for enjoyment when the weather cools down. Six flavors are available in Whole Foods nationwide.

• Race-day speed. PUMA is getting in on the marathon shoe craze, it just developed a competition sneaker that has a signature carbon-fiber plate and cushioning. Like most racing shoes, it’s fairly pricey at $230. Grab a pair here.

• Cookie lovers. Snack brand Karma Nuts came out with a line of cashew cookies. The new treats are sweetened with dates and coconut and are grain- and gluten-free. Try here.

• Sweet tooths. Transform your candy habit with Protein Candy, offering 14g of protein, 6g of fiber, and only 4g of sugar per bag. Pre-order here. 

• Good reads. Obstacle course racer Gwendolyn Bounds released her new book Not Too Late this week. The story documents her journey from office executive to world championship competitor. It’s available on Amazon.

• Adventurous runners. Oakley and Satisfy have reunited for their third collaboration. "Equipment For Our World," is a desert-inspired collection featuring eyewear and apparel. It’s available today online and tomorrow in store. 

Deal of the week: Haven x Outway

The Haven x Outway Backpack is available for 27% off right now (reduced to $208). The bag is perfect for weight lifters or any on-the-go training sessions. Snag it here.

Today’s newsletter was brought to you by Joe Niehaus and Ash Read.

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Send us your favorite gear, personal health stack, or feedback on the newsletter.