The long, warm days of summer are gracefully making their exit as we emerge upon cooler temperatures and changing treetops all around us. Throughout the Northeast, millions of people celebrate all the beautiful things that come with the fall season. For many, it represents a time of togetherness, cozying up by a roaring bonfire or working together in the kitchen to make a belly-warming soup or mouth-watering pie. The scents of the season, from autumn leaves to crisp apple and pumpkin everything, are all-encompassing and bring forth a sense of nostalgia that can only be felt this time of year.
As the days feel shorter and the air becomes a little bit crisper, we often find ourselves focusing less on our physical activity and more on ways to enjoy the season in all of its glory. The good news is that we have ways to do both.
Staying active is crucial to your overall well-being. In addition, it is essential for those managing gastrointestinal diagnoses. Consistent physical movement does a world of good for our gut.
Here are our favorite ways to stay active (and involved) this season.
Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking.
Whether you have little ones at home or just enjoy the nostalgia that comes with apple or pumpkin picking, it is the perfect time to visit a local orchard or patch and have some fun. We think the best way to get your healthy snacks and fall decor is to pick it yourself. You’re not only getting your steps in and creating a tradition for your family, but you’re supporting a local farm in your area.
Some of the best ways to turn this fun weekend idea into a bit of a workout include:
Wearing a fitness watch to track your steps. Before arriving, set a goal and make sure to walk around the orchard enough to hit the mark.
Before picking the ideal apples or pumpkins, walk the perimeter of the field a few times.
Volunteer to be the designated apple or pumpkin carrier. Use them as small weights as you make your way around the field.
Join in on farm-specific activities like a potato sack race or pumpkin bowling.
2. Spend the day on a leaf-peeping hike.
The weather is perfect this time of year to get in a hike at any point during the day. Invite some friends, hike a local mountain in your area, take some laps around a state park, or get your steps in around the city. Don’t forget to track your step count. Make it a contest and see who gets the most steps in on your trip. As an added challenge, consider carrying a 10-pound pack on your back to work your leg muscles. The best part? It is the optimal time to watch the leaves change color and feel them crunch beneath your feet. Take a moment on your hike to snap some shots of the beautiful foliage around you.
3. Visit a local corn maze.
There may be no better workout than one that doesn’t feel like a workout, right? When it comes to fall, corn mazes are the perfect mix of autumn fun and mental fortitude. Throughout the area, there are various corn mazes at small farms that you can choose from. They range in skill level and spookiness and can be fun for the whole family. We suggest you pick one that is longer in distance and size allowing you to walk through it and increase your step count. Another fun way to make a corn maze a workout is by challenging your group to do specific exercises throughout the maze. For example, after rounding one corner and reaching a long stretch of land, do lunges from one point to another. Change up the exercise each time to get in a fun, full-body workout.
4. Rake leaves.
There is so much fun to be had in a big pile of raked leaves. The work that goes into making those piles can be considered cardio. Whether you have a big yard filled with leaves or a smaller one that doesn’t see too much of autumn’s gifts, you can still make raking and cleaning your yard both a chore and a workout. Set aside one day each week to get outside and be active in your yard for at least 30 minutes. Some of the greatest exercising can happen at home. From raking leaves and mowing grass, you can get your steps in while tidying up the exterior of your home.
5. Attend a local fall-themed 5K
Nothing says fall quite like a season-themed 5K road race. Although the pandemic has put a damper on many things, there are still ways to get in a 5K without risking your health. Check your local area for a listing of upcoming races. If none exist, considering signing up for one virtually and getting in the 3.1 miles on your own time. Often, just like live ones, virtual options come with celebratory merchandise and medal to boot. Support a local charity and check off your physical activity for the day.
No matter what your fall plans look like, we encourage you to include some form of physical activity into your schedule at least five days a week. From walking to hiking and biking to weight lifting, the options to move your body are plenty and will have significant benefits for your overall health.