Hot, hotter, scorching – why the sun is good for us, and why to be careful

The sun is one of nature's greatest blessings. It doesn't only give us light and warmth – it also affects our physical and mental health. But like every good thing, sun exposure calls for balance and care.

In this month's blog we'll look at the many benefits the sun offers, learn about vitamin D and how it contributes to our health, and share important tips on protecting ourselves from the sun the right way.

We'll also look at the benefits of training outdoors, and how exercising in the fresh air can improve our quality of life.

The benefits of the sun

The sun is the source of life on Earth – our source of energy, and without it we wouldn't be here!

Beyond the warmth and light it gives us, it has many and varied health effects. One of the most important is the synthesis of vitamin D in our skin.

How exactly is vitamin D made?

(Warning: science lesson ahead)

We usually get our vitamins from the food we eat. Vitamin D is the exception!

Our body contains a substance called 7-dehydrocholesterol. On its own it has no function in the body, but when it meets the UV radiation the sun produces, it changes into D3 – and after a few processes in the body (involving the liver and kidneys), our beloved vitamin D is formed.

What does vitamin D actually do? Why do we need it?

Vitamin D contributes to bone health. It works together with the thyroid gland and so affects the health of our skeleton. Vitamin D is also essential for strengthening the immune system and even improving our mood. Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness and other chronic diseases.

Sounds amazing! So why be careful at all?

Alongside all the benefits, it's important to remember that too much exposure to UV rays can seriously damage our skin and our general health.

UV rays can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, DNA damage and a higher risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma. So it's important to follow a few precautions to enjoy the sun safely:

1. Use sunscreen: apply sunscreen with a high enough SPF about 30 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours – especially if you're sweating or swimming. Sunscreen protects not only your face but every part of the body exposed to the sun.

2. Wear suitable clothing: wear light, breathable clothes that protect the skin from radiation. Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses are essential for protecting your face and eyes. Long, light-coloured clothing can also protect you and help keep your body temperature down.

3. Go out in the morning or late afternoon: at these times the sun's radiation is less direct – its angle reduces our exposure to UV.

4. Drink water, and lots of it: the sun can dehydrate you quickly, especially during exercise. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – even when you don't feel thirsty.

By following these precautions, we can enjoy the many benefits of the sun without risking our health. The sun is an amazing gift from nature, and used wisely it can improve our lives in many ways.

The benefits of training outdoors

We want to encourage you to get outside! Go for a run, practise yoga, or even leave the car at home and walk to the studio on your way to Pilates.

Training outdoors, like walking or running, offers many benefits you don't always get indoors. The sun can lift your mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Being outside lets you connect with nature, breathe fresh air and enjoy beautiful views. Training outside also lets the body absorb vitamin D naturally and healthily, adding to the health benefits of the workout. So the sun doesn't only give us important vitamin D – it turns outdoor training into an enriching experience for body and mind. Whether you prefer a run in the park or a walk on the beach, training outdoors is a wonderful way to combine exercise with enjoying nature.

What do you think? Have you worked out how early you need to leave to walk to the studio?