Fall is the time of year when many of us trade our running shoes and water bottles for cozy blankets and hot apple cider. Though cooler weather and a busier schedule might keep you from being as active as you were in the summer, there are still plenty of ways to get your exercise in this season. We share a few ideas below.
Enjoy fall activities.
Take advantage of all the fun events that only happen this time of year. Make plans to pack your weekends with these activities. For example:
- Go for a hike or bike ride through the woods to see the autumn leaf colors.
- Walk through an orchard or pumpkin patch.
- Find a corn maze to explore.
- Sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race.
Ask your friends or family to join you. You'll get exercise and make lasting memories.
Get prepared for sweater weather.
The weather at the beginning of fall is great for outdoor activities, but you might find yourself avoiding your daily walk or jog once cooler weather comes in November. Prepare yourself for working out in cooler temperatures by making sure you have the right activewear. Follow these tips:
- Wear a wool sweater or fleece jacket to keep warm without overheating.
- Keep your skin dry by wearing a moisture-wicking undershirt.
- Wear gloves and ear warmers on cold days.
- Avoid cotton fabrics, as they hold moisture and make you cold.
Work out at work.
Whether you're putting in extra hours to finish a project before the end of the year or you've taken a second seasonal job for the holidays, it can be hard to find time for the gym this time of year. Instead of skipping exercise completely, try to fit your workout into your work schedule.
An example plan:Go for a 30-minute walk during your lunch break. Then, stretch at your desk. You can also get in extra exercise by always taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.