By: Amanda Belo
The weather may be getting cooler, but it’s not the time to hibernate for winter just yet! Fall is a great time to get out and enjoy your natural surroundings. Why not spend a day away from the gym for a more scenic workout?
Go For a Hike
Take in the vibrant colors of fall by foot at one of the many nature trails this country has to offer. Hiking doesn’t have to be strenuous. It can be as leisurely as you’d like. Find a trail near you!
Apple and Pumpkin Picking
Check out your local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Your reward? A low-intensity workout, fun with friends and family, and hand-picked produce to take home for either a delicious meal or some decorative carving! Plus, all that walking and reaching while apple picking or carrying around a 10-pound pumpkin for an hour is sure to make some of those calories disappear!
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Enter a little friendly competition with your friends or family and power walk your way through those corn stalks for a great walking workout and winner’s bragging rights! If you’re no good at mazes, the bright side is that the longer it takes you to find the opening to freedom, the more calories you burn walking. Many local schools and non-profit organizations put these together to support great local causes. So, not only are you getting outside and active, but you’re giving back to your community at the same time!
Rake Leaves
There’s no way out of this, so you might as well kill two birds with one stone. Why not look at it this way: you can get your yard under control while getting in some cardio! It’s a great time to get your heart rate up and strengthen your arms, shoulders, legs, and core. You’ll even get to double-up on that post-workout satisfaction as you enjoy the endorphin boost gazing at your perfectly manicured lawn!
Shinrin-yoku / Forest Bathing
Looking for another stress-reducing tool? If your emotional health is important to you, mindfulness and relaxation are important things to pay attention to. You may want to consider adding forest bathing to your self-care routine! This outdoor meditative activity is a Japanese form of healing therapy that allows you to take a mindful approach to walking in a natural environment and focus on your senses. The idea is simple: if you visit a natural area and allow yourself to walk in a relaxed way, there are calming, rejuvenating, and restorative benefits to be had.
Comments (0)