How to exercise during the fall
Fall’s just around the corner, and that means cooler weather and turning leaves. This is a great time to get active. Why? Because it’ll help you to create healthy habits to maintain throughout the winter months when many tend to let their fitness goals slide. Fall fitness begins with these accessible and fun outdoor activities that will get you moving:
1. Hiking
Fall’s a great time for hiking, especially since the weather is cooler and it’s still nice outside. Good for both your body and mind, hiking lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your core, improves balance, and boosts your mood. Hiking also builds strength in your hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps, hips, and legs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail map, bring snacks and water, and dress appropriately. If you live in a part of the country where it snows early, try cross-country skiing instead.
2. Canoeing
Who says water sports are just for the summertime? Many states experience an extended summer where the weather is still warm and sunny during the fall. Canoeing provides an excellent whole-body workout; it improves your cardiovascular fitness and increases muscle strength. The good thing about going canoeing during the fall season is that the lakes are more likely to be less crowded.
3. Bicycling
Bicycling during autumn is awesome! The air is nice and crisp and the temperatures are cooler, too. Bicycling offers health benefits galore, including increased cardiovascular fitness as well as muscle strength and flexibility, and decreased body fat. Plus, cycling burns up to 500 calories per hour.
4. Walking
Autumn is the perfect time to take up walking, especially if you’re starting out slowly. Not only do you get to see all the colorful leaves, but you also get to breathe in the crisp, fresh air. Walking also has several health benefits. It can help you improve your balance and coordination, strengthen and tone your muscles, and maintain a healthy weight. Remember the faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits!
5. Outdoor Yoga
Because fall offers such wonderful weather, it’s a great time to do some outdoor yoga. Yoga can help you improve your strength, flexibility, and posture — not to mention it provides awesome stress relief. And just about everyone can do it, too. There are over nine different yoga styles to choose from, so you’ll never get bored.
References
- “10 Tips for Fall Fitness,” Web MD, November 1, 2011.
- “Fall Into These Perfect Autumn Exercises,” HuffPost, September 29, 2016.
- “Outdoor Exercises That Are Perfect For Fall,” Bustle, November 9, 2016.
- “Uniquely Autumn Exercises to Keep You Active This Fall,” Fit Reserve, October 7, 2014.
