The autumn season is a favorite for many. Our thoughts turn to football, pumpkin spice, warm layers, and calming colors. But it’s also a time of year that calls us outdoors with a break from the heat of summer temperatures and all-around natural beauty. It’s the perfect time to take a walk, or even rekindle a routine of walking for exercise. Sure, there are plenty of mental and physical health benefits you get from walking, but it’s also the best way to capture the the splendor of the season. Here are nine reasons why autumn is a great time of year to lace up your shoes and walk.
The air is brisk: Fall provides a welcome break from the heat of the summer with lower temperatures, so you might find an extra skip in your step as you head out for a walk. You’ll probably also find yourself walking a little faster and a little further, which means you’ll be burning even more calories!
The scents are sensational: Is that pumpkin spice you smell? Maybe so, but seasonal spices wafting through open windows aren’t the only thing that will make your walk more pleasant. Cooler temperatures often bring fresher and cleaner air allowing for deeper breaths and more opportunities to take in the sweet scent of blooming mums along your path.
The colors are breathtaking: There’s something about the warmth of fall colors to make you smile, so paired with an endorphin-boosting walk, it’ll be hard to knock that grin off your face!
The fallen leaves give a satisfying crunch: We’re willing to bet that if a newly fallen leaf is in your path, you’ll find a way to feel the crunch beneath your feet. A fall walk is the best excuse to go in with both feet and get the most out of that satisfying crunch! Leaf hopscotch, anyone?
The chance to connect with others: Fall is a great time to head out for a walk with friends and family. With the weather more pleasant and routines back in place, you’ll probably find the sidewalks bustling a little bit more, giving you a chance to catch up with neighbors and friends you’ve missed over the summer months.
The way nature comes alive: People aren’t the only ones embracing the changing season. A walk in the fall is a great time to see nature come alive, both with colorful flowers and plants and frisky critters. Just keep your eyes peeled for the slithery variety!
The fun to be had: If you’re looking for ways to spice up your season, create your own scavenger hunt. The fall season provides so many fun things to search for while on a walk, like pumpkins and mums and scarecrows. Oh, my!
The places to walk: Since fall is a great time to be outdoors, you can usually find plenty of activities being hosted in your community, offering a multitude of places to take a walk! Make your way through a pumpkin patch, haunted house, corn maze, fall festival, ghost tour or even just down a splendidly decorated street.
The chance to start anew: If you were feeling unmotivated due to the soaring temperatures of the summer, fall is a great time for a reset. Use this season as a way to step back into healthy habits, and we think walking is a great place to start.
Whatever your reason, make walking part of your lifestyle. Not only will you get to experience all the fun the fall season has to offer, but you’ll be walking your way to a better and healthier you. And that’s a great way to usher in a new year.
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