Exercising in The Fall

Exercising in The Fall 

Every season has its set of reasons, though some might call them excuses, as to why working out is just too difficult. The summer is too hot and humid, the winter is too cold and icy, allergies make springtime far too complicated, and the fall, well, what is the reason? Perhaps it is too chilly, too wet, too dry- leaves-on-the- ground to venture outside?

That last reason is pretty weak but luckily for you, we can guarantee that dried up, colorful leaves are hardly a reason to avoid exercising in the great outdoors.

Weather and Other Challenges

Despite messages from exercise enthusiasts and outdoorsmen, the weather is indeed something you need to consider, and contend with, if you plan on exercising outdoors. Taking weather, timing, and locale into consideration when planning a fall routine is not an indication of weakness or giving up. Each of us has to be realistic about what our bodies can and cannot handle. Additionally, injuring yourself during a workout serves absolutely no purpose, and in fact, sets you back several paces. Be realistic about what you can handle and what your body is capable of, so you can get in a solid workout, sans bruises, wounds, and fractures. 

Here are just a few considerations to think about when planning your fall workouts.

Temperatures 

As temps go down and the amount of frost goes up, getting up in the morning, or any time for that matter, can seem downright painful. In addition to psyching yourself up for outdoor activity, remember that once you start moving, you will warm up in no time. It is important to remember to thinly layer your clothing so you keep yourself warm without overheating. Make sure too, that your layers are easily opened or removable so you can adjust your own temperature as you go.

Timing

In a perfect world, we would all be able to walk, run, or enjoy the outdoors at all times of the day and night. Reality dictates however that while we are allowed to go out at any time it may not always be the wisest decision. Per the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS),

“Violent crimes occur between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. in 52.7 percent of cases. Simple 

assaults occur 57.6 percent of the time during these same hours, as do 42.2 percent of 

aggravated assaults. Approximately two-thirds (63.2 percent) of rapes/sexual assaults 

occur at night.”

This does not mean that you can never go for a stroll or run at night, or when it's dark during the early morning hours though. Head out with a running partner or group, stay in well lit areas, and do not run with your headphones in so you can hear what is going on around you. 

Experience the outdoors

There are activities that are far more enjoyable when performed outside. You simply cannot appreciate the changing foliage the way you would outside, when you are on an indoor treadmill. Being in the presence of other runners, walkers, or hikers who, like you, crawled out of bed thinking they could not do it until they did, encourages camaraderie and social support. 

Get Creative With Your Exercise

There is certainly no rule that says that you have to exercise outside during the fall or any other season. While some enjoy the crisp air on their face and in their lungs, you can add activities into what you already do.

• Park further away from your office so you have to walk a little more to get to work. 
• Do bicep curls with your grocery bags while waiting for elevators. 
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. 
• Buy a gym membership
• Blast your tunes and dance at home. This is your chance to dance like no one is watching!

Those cold, dark, autumnal mornings can make you want to curl back into bed at the sound of the alarm. And those cold, dark autumnal evenings can make you want to stay home and prepare to crawl into that bed. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you do something. And not only for your physical health, but spiritual and mental health, too.