There's no bad time to incorporate more activity into your routine, but fall has its own considerations for incorporating more exercise into your life. Numerous studies show that the more we sit and the less we move, the sicker we become. On the other hand, there are many studies showing that any amount of exercise is better than none, and that exercise is linked to better health. So why is fall a great time to start? Here are four reasons:
1. We spend more time in front of the television. New Ways to Look at Media isn't the big start to the TV season it once was, but it's still the time we sat down more. If you watch television, consider using exercise bands or light weights for seated strength training. There are also standing exercise routines that you can do while watching TV. If your favorite show has commercials, use these breaks to invest in yourself by doing some exercises. TV time doesn't have to be a standstill. If you can invest an hour of your time in television, use at least 20 minutes of that time to take care of yourself every day.
2. The holidays are coming! The holidays often lead to eating and consuming less healthy foods that we normally wouldn't eat. If you get into a more active routine in the fall, this healthy habit is more likely to stick when you can indulge in calories again.
3. Most dogs like cooler weather. Dogs, you say? Yes. If you are a dog lover and you can't motivate yourself to exercise, do it for your dog. There is no dog that doesn't feel like exploring the area, and he or she will make sure that you walk a few times a day. If you don't have your own dog, but you like dogs, consider taking one of your neighbors for a walk or at the shelter. And if you're not a dog person, find a human buddy who wants to exercise more and you can motivate each other. People who work together tend to be more successful with their goals.
4. Colder temperatures mean fewer insects and colorful leaves. In the fall, conditions are usually ideal for a walk in the park or in the woods. If you're not a winter walker, switch to walking into a mall or gym. Exercise extends life and improves health.
We've covered just a few ways to get you more active, but there are, of course, more. Think of dancing, walking, cycling, jogging or seated strength training. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it regularly. It gives you more energy and improves your health. No matter how you move, there's no better time than the present to get started.
