‘I’m just lost in the world’: the impact of blue exercise on participant well-being

ABSTRACT

Exercise in natural environments positively impacts physical, social and mental well-being. However, most research has focused on green exercise, with less investigation of blue exercise (i.e. exercise in natural water). The study explored how blue exercise impacted well-being and whether its benefits were unique from other types of physical activity. Qualitative interviews (N = 8) were conducted with adults who participated in kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, surfing and open-water swimming. Semi-structured interviews focused on blue exercise type, feelings during/after, and non-blue exercise participation. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Benefits from blue exercise included being in nature, seeing land from a different perspective, and escaping daily responsibilities. Health benefits included improved physical health, particularly for persons with physical conditions, relaxation/mindfulness, and managing mental health through non-medicinal methods. Participants emphasised social aspects compared with other exercises; particularly through supporting others in skill development. They highlighted respect for water and feelings of achievement by overcoming their fear of it. The findings supported social, mental and physical benefits of exercising in nature liked to restorative environments and basic psychological need fulfilment, with several unique benefits specific to blue exercise. Encouraging blue exercise may have public health potential, but research should explore barriers to engaging with it and how it differs from another nature-based exercise.

KEYWORDS:

• Blue space
• nature-based exercise
• water sports
• mental health

Disclosure statement

This study was not externally funded.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nadine Thompson

Nadine Thompson was an MSc student in the School of Psychology at the time of the study.

Stephanie Wilkie

Stephanie Wilkie is an Associate Professor in Environmental Psychology with interests in the influence of urban green space and built environments on wellbeing, as well as expertise in research methods and statistics including large-scale studies for the US government. She is a Chartered Psychologists and associate member of FUSE, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health.