ABSTRACT
In essence, this chapter discusses how green exercise fits within a movement toward both a greener and a more connected society. We review the literature on green exercise, physical activity in “green” or natural surroundings. Situating this within broader psychological and philosophical frameworks underpinning the human relationship with nature, we present both qualitative and quantitative-experimental studies from the social sciences on green exercise. Overall, we found support for the existence of wellbeing benefits, both mental and physical, that result from exercising in nature. Indeed, our review revealed a host of synergistic health benefits arising from green exercise suggesting that together physical activity and nature are more than the sum of their parts. Evidence is also presented which supports a call for green exercise to be integrated into the field of medicine. Recommendations for future research are proposed.
