During the autumn season, some of us may feel unmotivated to exercise due to the lower temperature and the shorter days. Despite this, it is essential we keep up with a good exercise routine to keep our bodies and minds healthy.
There are many ways we can incorporate physical activity into our days without it feeling like a chore. In this article we identify six easy ways you can make exercising in autumn more appealing and enjoyable.
1. Hiking
Autumn could be considered by many the perfect time of the year for hiking. During summer, a hike can feel unbearable due to the heat but during autumn, the temperatures are milder, making it more comfortable. Moreover, the colourful autumn scenery can create a peaceful atmosphere for you to exercise in.
Hiking can help to reduce body fat, improve brain health can help you to unwind and relax. Exercising such as hiking can put you at a lower risk of developing major illnesses such as strokes, diabetes, and cancer and can help manage mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and intrusive or racing thoughts.
2. Bike rides
Riding a bike is a low aerobic exercise which means it has a low impact on your bones, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. Bike rides offer a variety of possible fitness and health benefits such as strengthening your legs, promoting weight loss, lowering cholesterol, building up stamina, muscle mass and endurance.
During cold weather the roads may become icy so instead, you may prefer to ride on more rural tracks. Rural bike rides may also promote better fitness and endurance because they are usually uneven, mimicking interval bike training.
3. Raking leaves
You may not associate routine tasks like gardening with exercise, but activities such as raking leaves in autumn could benefit your physical and mental health by helping you with bones and joint health, strengthen your muscles, lose weight and reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety.
4. Kayaking and canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are low impact activities that can strengthen your muscle, improve cardiovascular fitness, promote weight loss and reduce stress. When doing this type of exercise, you are using your paddle to push the vessel through the water, strengthening the upper body and core.
Kayaking and canoeing are a fantastic exercise to do during autumn as it tends to be a lot quieter compared to the summer months so you will be able to make the most of the scenic views. Kayaking and canoeing can also be a great way to exercise with the whole family as it is suitable for all ages and abilities.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a great low-impact, high-result exercise that promotes flexibility, helps increase muscle strength and can reduce stress levels. Yoga is a gentle activity suitable for all abilities using good posture, breathing and meditation techniques. It can be done both outdoors and indoors which makes it great for the unpredictable weather changes we experience in the autumn months.
6. Get a gym membership
The gym is a stable place to exercise that offers a variety of resources for everyone from beginners to experts. If you are unmotivated to join a gym, why not take a gym buddy who you can share goals and celebrate achievements with. Another option would be to get a personal trainer to help you with your goals step by step.
Most gyms are open from early until late so you can go at a time that is best suited to your lifestyle, even during the colder months.
Final thoughts
Although you may be missing the activities you can do during the summer season, there are still a variety of things you can participate in during autumn. Not letting yourself break out of a regular exercise routine promotes physical and mental health including a better immune system which is critical to have throughout the colder months.
Disclaimer: The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute the medical advice from a healthcare professional.