Want to Exercise More? Get Outside!
Contributor : Magnolia Potter
Autumn is just around the corner, and for many parts of the country that means cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. If you’ve spent your summer wanting to make a change in the new season, now is the perfect time to do it!
Fall is a great time to pick up a fitness routine, and to stop making excuses about exercising more.
Everyone knows that physical activity is important, but it can be hard to find the motivation to get moving, especially in the extreme summer heat. Taking a look outside in the fall can be the ultimate motivator for a variety of reasons. Exercising outside can make you feel more energized, and nature has relaxing properties that can help to reduce stress.
If you’ve been meaning to exercise more, get out of your comfort zone this season and take a step outside to enjoy the benefits of autumn while you get your blood pumping. This article will cover some of the benefits of exercise, as well as how to make the most of getting fit this season.
The Benefits of Physical Activity
Getting more exercise can benefit both your mind and body. Most people associate working out with weight loss, which is true. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to shed a few pounds, but you’ll end up gaining so many more health benefits as bonuses.
Exercise releases hormones within your body that can actually make you feel happier. You may have heard of a “runner’s high” before because, after a period of physical activity, the serotonin levels in your brain are given a boost.
That helps to reduce stress and can also lower your blood pressure and help with anxiety.
The release of endorphins can cause you to be more motivated to consistently work out, and give you a boost of energy throughout your day.
If you’re feeling sluggish and fatigued, staying physically active will help you to feel more energized. It can even help you to get better sleep at night so you’ll wake up refreshed the next day.
It can even help you to get better sleep at night so you’ll wake up refreshed the next day.
Exercise is also a great preventative activity to keep your body healthy. It can reduce your risk of certain cancers, heart attack, diabetes, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
You can also use exercise in addition to a dietary detox to offer a “reset” to your mind and body, and clear yourself of harmful toxins that could be slowing you down or causing a fog.
Of course, before starting any new exercise routine, especially more vigorous ones, be sure to see your healthcare provider. They can tell you what amount of exercise your body is ready for and help educate and guide you to the exercise and preventative care right for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness in the Fall
Feeling motivated by all of the benefits of working out? Great! Now, it’s up to you to get outside and make it happen. Thankfully, that’s easy to do in the fall. If you really want to make the most of the season and staying active, why not hit the road and try for a change of scenery?
Fall road trips are great for exploring some of the best foliage sites in the country.
By going on a fall adventure, you can take advantage of the beautiful colors on long hikes in the woods. Take your four-legged friend with you on your trip for a bit of extra motivation. Dogs help to lower stress, and they love to be active, so they’re the perfect hiking or jogging companion on long wooded trails.
You can also take a friend with you who enjoys being active or someone who will hold you accountable to stick to a workout routine whether you’re at home or traveling the country.
When you’re exercising outside in the fall, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Make the most of what nature gives you. If you’re not an avid runner, there are plenty of other healthy ways to get moving in the great outdoors, including:
- Yoga on a cool, crisp fall morning.
- Bike riding through a hiking trail.
- Playing a game of touch football with friends.
- Climbing trees and/or rocks.
Turning Everyday Activities Into Exercise
Any type of aerobic workout can help you lose weight and experience the benefits of exercise. But, if you’re not ready to dive into the deep end of a serious workout yet, there are other fall activities and chores that can actually get your blood pumping, too.
A 125lb person can burn up to 120 calories every 30 minutes by raking leaves. You can burn just as much by bagging them up, or mowing your lawn. These everyday chores can quickly add up to a lot of aerobic activity.
You can build your own “workout” around these activities. The harder you work and the more you sweat, the more calories you’ll burn.
Even enjoying some traditional fall activities can get your heart rate up, like apple picking or going through a corn maze. If you’re not into working out, don’t be afraid to get creative with the way you get physical. Getting outside is a great way to stay active, and there is no better time to get started than fall.
