Fall’s crisp, invigorating air is upon us. It’s the perfect excuse to tap into seasonal produce, create a cozy nighttime routine, and switch up your exercise routine. In essence, make simple yet impactful lifestyle changes. Just as nature evolves throughout the year, humans can (and should!) too. Now is the time to welcome autumn with open arms — an opportunity to take your wellness to the next level.
Are exercise Routines Good or Bad?
Speaking of taking wellness to the next level, let’s talk about routines. Specifically, knowing when to modify a stagnant part of your lifestyle. Of course, having a daily routine is essential. Routines help us work more efficiently, save money more effectively, mitigate unnecessary stress, etc. Although planning out every moment of every day is slightly overkill, there is power in the security and stability of a routine. Plus, a routine makes us feel grounded amidst the chaos of life.
All of that said, routines can cause stagnation. Said differently: It’s easy to get stuck doing the same things the same way, over and over, until suddenly, we lose our spark. Or, we forget why we created a particular routine in the first place. Being intentional is at the root of it all. So, rather than thinking about routines as good or bad, we can approach them with a degree of flexibility, adaptability, and spontaneity.
The Benefits of Switching Up Your Exercise Routine
From the perspective of being adaptable, switching up your exercise routine is key. Changing your exercise routine allows you to switch your focus, in turn providing new stimulation for your body. For example, if for months you’ve prioritized running, you may find that it’s a good time to switch to an anaerobic exercise routine (muscle growth). Here are a variety of reasons to switch up your workout routine:
- Build new muscles
- Prevent injuries from overusing the same muscles
- Beat workout boredom
- Keep your brain healthy
- Delay reaching a workout plateau
Taking a dynamic, well-rounded approach to movement is remarkably beneficial for your heart health, muscle composition, joint stability, flexibility, balance, and more. There’s no better excuse to grab your favorite autumn workout clothes, dust off your yoga mat (or tennis shoes), and incorporate joyful, intentional ways to move your body this fall.
Fun Ways to Exercise in the Fall
If you happen to live in Colorado, there’s no shortage of beautiful hikes, sunshine, and epic views to entice outdoor activities. Rather than approach exercise as something that must be grueling and intense, think about ways you can move your body that is both enjoyable and functional. The secret sauce lies in finding workouts that feel approachable and sustainable.
1. Take an on-demand workout class at your local park. Find a spot, set up your phone at the edge of your yoga mat, and get moving. You can bring resistance bands with you or simply use your own body weight to break a sweat. Use your local park as the backdrop for your workout class. And who knows, maybe you’ll inspire a passerby to do the same.
2. Hike, hike, hike. Fall is for hiking enthusiasts. Plan a half-day trip to explore a new trail. You’ll soak up stunning views and spend time in nature. Nature is essential for overall well being.
3. Yard work. Okay, this might not be the most fun option, but don’t forget that yard work is absolutely a workout. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting chores done around the house while simultaneously getting in some cardiovascular exercise. Turn on your favorite podcast and raking leaves will fly by.
4. Backyard football. Now that your yard is clean, grab a football, soccer ball, frisbee, etc. and PLAY! Tap into your inner child and find joy in playing with friends and family. A fun game of football is a wonderful way to embrace the fall.
5. Think outside the box. Whether it’s jumping rope, attending a boxing class, or doing at-home pilates, consider a type of exercise you’ve never done before. Start small and build up your stamina. For example, jump rope for 20 seconds, break for 30 seconds, and repeat that five times.
However you choose to move your body this fall, remember that consistency is key. Getting in some type of movement, every day, can have profound impacts on your mental and physical health. And yes, stretching counts.
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