April 6th

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: More people getting outside during pandemic

More Americans have turned to the outdoors in the era of the pandemic, according to a new report by the Outdoor Industry Association. The report indicates that people are turning to nature as a way to connect with others safely, exercise, stay healthy and reduce fatigue caused by spending so much time on screens.

Here are a few of the highlights from the report:

• Those who participated in an outdoor activity for the first time alone did so close to home and chose a “low barrier to entry activity” such as walking, running or biking.
• Participants were more likely to engage in outdoor activities that were within 10 miles of home.
• More than 60 percent of those who started or resumed an outdoor activity like walking or biking say they plan to continue once restrictions lift.
• New outdoor participants report screen increased screen time, which in pre-pandemic days was seen as a barrier to spending time outside. But in the era of the pandemic, people were more likely to turn to the outdoors as a way to offset screen time.
• Spending time in the safe space of the outdoors during the pandemic has helped participants cope with the feelings of loss, fear and loneliness.

Remember, the outdoors is just a few steps away thanks to your own backyard and community park. Get inspired to “backyard more” this spring and beyond by visiting TurfMutt.com.