As temperatures start to drop, many people tend to put away their outdoor fitness gear and head to the gym to escape the cold. Gyms get crowded, but mixing in some outdoor activities with your indoor workouts can be quite beneficial.
First off, spending time outdoors is great for your overall health. It also helps break the monotony of indoor workouts, preventing gym burnout. Staying active in every season is important, and outdoor activities can double as fun family time too. Plus, with Christmas around the corner, maintaining an exercise routine can help balance out the temptation of holiday comfort foods.
Getting outside for your workouts isn’t just about physical fitness. Vitamin D from the sun, even in the colder months, boosts your mood and helps with self-care. It can also combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by providing that necessary sunlight and releasing endorphins, which improve mental health.
If you’re considering outdoor activities this fall, walking the dog is a simple yet effective option. It’s a low-effort way to enjoy physical and mental health benefits. Spending six months exclusively in the gym can lead to burnout. Mixing in outdoor activities keeps your routine fresh and keeps you motivated.
Every season has its unique activities, so finding one you enjoy is key. Whether it’s a fall hike, a winter snowshoe, or biking in the spring, trying different activities can help you stay active all year round. Reaching a heart rate of 140 beats per minute during exercise ensures you’re working hard, and there are plenty of ways to achieve this outdoors.
Blending family time with fitness is another advantage of outdoor activities. You might not bring your kids to lift weights, but hiking, kayaking, or biking together can be fun and promote a healthy lifestyle. Teaching children to love the outdoors sets a positive example and encourages them to be active, countering sedentary habits and unhealthy diets.
Holiday eating often starts in the fall and continues into winter, making extra activity beneficial. Outdoor activities can help you stay active and counteract the indulgence in festive foods, from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas treats.
One enjoyable way to include outdoor activities in your fall fitness plan is by participating in themed races. Halloween costume runs, Thanksgiving 5Ks, Christmas races, and even Valentine’s Day events are fun ways to maintain your fitness goals during the holiday season.
Having a fall fitness plan is essential when cooler temperatures and comfort foods make hibernation tempting. Staying motivated doesn’t mean you have to be confined to the gym. By incorporating outdoor activities, you boost mental health, avoid gym burnout, explore new seasonal activities, spend more time with family, and manage your holiday eating better.