Exercising in Autumn

 

 

Autumn is a transitional time of year. The leaves change colour.  The sun sets at dinner time and the sun rises well after 7AM.  

 

As beautiful as this time of year can be, it is also a stressful period for many that wish to continue their exercise regimens but jogging at 6AM in their shorts is no longer viable.

 

Another change that Autumn brings is I find a fatigue comes over me every afternoon sometime between 2PM and 5PM, something that doesn't seem to happen to me in the summer months.

 

The answer to these shifts is change a few tactical items in your exercise regimen and you will continue to enjoy exercising in the Autumn and well into the Winter months.

 

Hiking Trails

 

The changing of the leaves is beautiful and the hiking trails are even more enticing than they are in the summer. 

 

Bundle up and drive to the country to the many hiking trails or go to an inner city park that is large enough to have outdoor trails. 

 

Taking in the fresh air and a gentle but long walk is healthy & invigorating. 

 

It's also a time that even if you walk alone, you will likely see others on the trails.  A time to engage in social contact outside your work hours is also emotionally healthy.  And what is emotionally healthy ultimately leads to a strong physical body.

 

Biking through trails is also invigorating.  I've spoken endlessly about the benefits of sweating in this blog and Fall is a wonderful time to sweat through exercise. 

 

It takes longer to sweat because of cooler temperatures but this allows you to bike longer than you can if it's hot outside.  And biking longer allows you more exercise time, a healthy bonus.

 

 

Home & Cottage Activities

 

Fall is the time to prepare your home, cottage & yard for the winter.  

 

Many weekends can be spent outdoors doing these activities. 

 

Raking leaves and preparing your garden for the winter are also outdoor chores that will keep you active. 

Increased oxygen from being outdoors and physical exertion is healthy & stimulating.  Also gives your mind a rest.

 

 

Dress for the Weather

 

Summer exercise routines have you outdoors in shorts & a T shirt. 

 

However, with the changing & shifting temperatures, you may one day be outside wishing you had short sleeves while other days you will shivering in brisk winds.

 

The solution, of course, is to dress in layers. 

 

Have a light weight jacket that can double as a rain coat, a long sleeve top and a T-shirt underneath this. 

 

As you walk and heat up your body, you'll find that 1/2 way through your walk, you will likely be taking off your jacket and top and enjoying your walk in a sleeveless top. 

 

Wear hiking boots that are comfortable and allow you to continue walking in the rain. 

 

Your jacket should have a hood if it rains. 

 

I walk everyday regardless of the weather and so only the worst snow storms will stop me from venturing outdoors. 

 

So I learned early on that I had to be realistic about the weather and not let it stop me from my walk.

 

When deciding what to wear on my walk, I have one rule of thumb. 

 

If I feel cold when I start my walk, I know I'm not dressed warmly enough.  So I go back in and put on an extra sweater or bring mitts or a hat if it's really cool.

 

I want to feel good when I walk and by doing this I always look forward to my walks.  Eventually I warm up and so I start taking one layer after the other off.  By the time I reach home again, I'm often in short sleeves and feeling very warm.

 

Some days my walks are slow and I spend a lot of time looking up to the sky, watching birds, the clouds. 

 

I sometimes spend a long time in the forests exploring.  And I also enjoying finding quiet enclaves that I can sit in and talk to nature. 

 

Sometimes, I walk briskly and feel invigorated and lively when I return.  I often have a 2nd wind to do more things.

 

All of this serves my well being.  I get fresh air, lots of oxygen. 

 

I strengthen my body's ability to circulate which as I've said many times is the key to longevity.  

 

 

Drink Lemon Tea

 

Your circulation strengthens when you walk or jog and when you combine it with drinking liquids to flush out unwanted substances from your body. 

 

An ongoing detoxification of your body is essential for good health.

 

The liquids are best if purified, clean, fresh water. 

 

As Autumn is cooler, the desire to drink cool water is not strong.  Try drinking room temperature water. 

 

Hot herbal tea or steaming lemon water is even better for your body as the lemon helps the water flush out toxins.

 

 

Lemon Tea Recipe

 

1 litre purified water (non chlorinated)

Juice from 1 lemon

1 teaspoon honey

Dash cayenne pepper (optional)

 

Boil your water.  Squeeze the lemon & pour it's juice into the steaming water.  Add honey.  Stir. 

I sometimes add cayenne pepper for extra flavour & spice. 

 

Bring on your walk or drink after you return.