Just five minutes of exercise outside in ladies fitness wear can improve women's mood, self-esteem and mental health, a new study has suggested.

Research conducted by the University of Essex and led by Dr Jo Barton and Professor Jules Pretty showed that activity in the presence of nature improved both mental and physical health.

The activities that the 1,252 study participants took part in were walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming.

Researchers found that the most positive health changes occurred in the young and those with mental health problems, but people of all ages and from all social groups benefited in some way.

"There is a large potential benefit to individuals, society and to the costs of the health service if all groups of people were to self-medicate more with green exercise," said Dr Barton.

One fan of outdoor exercise is ex-Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett, who was spotted last month showing off her enviable flat stomach while jogging in skimpy ladies fitness clothing.

The 27-year-old ran along a wooded path near her home wearing a black cropped vest-come-sports-bra, red and grey mini-shorts and a black hoodie.

Posted by Tina Wilson ADNFCR-2569-ID-19756993-ADNFCR

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