As the leaves begin to make their colorful alterations and big box stores bring out their Christmas decorations, one can finally see that autumn is in full swing. While the numbers on the thermometer are beginning to drop, the weather is not the only thing that is changing. A new season brings new trends in the world of fitness and health, so here are some that you can incorporate throughout your day.
Make the Most of the Changing Environment
A drop in temperature means much more favorable conditions for those who enjoy exercising in the great outdoors. Stunning autumn scenery also can provide an excellent backdrop for those who choose to get outside and exercise. Just a few activities one can choose from are hiking, walking, running, and biking. All four cardiovascular-based exercises are perfect for doing in cooler temperatures and can be easily integrated into daily activities. A couple of examples can be walking with your family through a corn maze or hitting the pavement to prepare for a Thanksgiving Day 5k race. Whatever you do, be sure to take advantage of the fall season when exercising.
Add Some Healthy Fall Foods to Your Diet
Contrary to popular belief, candy received from trick-or-treating is not the only kind of food eaten in the fall. There are many seasonal foods that you can add t to boost your health. The first, and most associated with the season, are pumpkins. Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, such as “vitamins C, E and riboflavin, iron, fiber, and potassium” (Waehner, 2020), and offer carotenoids which have been shown to “help fight heart disease and cancer” (Waehner, 2020). Next up are pecans, which are among some of the healthiest nuts you can consume. Pecans are full of “zinc, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B” (Waehner, 2020), and are great for trail mixes, salads, and for stand-alone snacks. Last but certainly not least is apples. This high-fiber and low-calorie fruit is perfect at any time of the day and provides consumers with “potassium, vitamin C, calcium, and folic acid” (Waehner, 2020).
Use Technology to Your Advantage
While the change in weather is nice, sometimes temperatures can drop a little too far. However, this does not mean your exercise routine must go on a hiatus. Modern technology has made it easier than ever to get fit from home. Workout programs can come from exercise-specific mobile applications, from a quick google search, or from videos on YouTube. So, if it’s too cold outside for your liking and you can’t make it to the gym, technology can help you get specified fitness routines at the touch of your fingertips without stepping outside your front door.
Picture courtesy of Pexels (Pixabay)
References
Waehner, P. (2020, October 8). Guide to Fall Fitness and Health. Verywell Fit. https://www.verywellfit.com/get-ready-for-fall-fitness-1231605
