Every autumn the number one thing that most people stop doing when this time of year comes around – is getting outdoors. While summer may strike you as the best time to be outside as much as possible – there are many health benefits of walking in Autumn and it’s also the perfect time to get or maintain your summer body and enjoy the fresh air.
And if you live in “sunny” San Diego like we do, there are no excuses. Bright blue and sunny skies; crisp, frosty ground; the fresh ocean breeze; and hills covered in succulent flowers – how could you not be drawn into spending more time outside making the most of the beautiful scenery?
Most of us put our exercising shoes in the back of the closet the minute that summer starts to fade, but what if I told you that taking a gentle stroll in the Autumn has a great impact on your health, and can even lift your mood and fend the ‘winter blues’ despite the shorter days and cooler night’s?
Just take a look at some of these benefits of walking in autumn:
- Gorgeous views amid colorful Autumn scenery
- Huge panoramas under bright blue skies
- Breath-taking ocean views
- Seasonal wildlife
- Less crowded walking routes since the high tourist season is gone
- Stunning misty mornings and golden sunsets
- Kicking up the leaves
- And warm hot tea/coffee in your favorite local coffee shop after a day’s exploring
More tempted now? There are many reasons why we’re so fond of walking, you don’t have to move at a fast pace like running and it’s very unlikely to cause any injuries that will sideline you from doing all the activities that you love. Everyone can walk!
Also, you don’t need any equipment (like you do with most sports), and it’s the foundation for good health. It’s one of the best activities to do.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at 5 benefits on how walking enhances our life…
1. It Blows Your Stress Away
We recommend you go for a walk when you need to get away from a stressful day. Surround yourself with peace and tranquility of the surrounding nature. You can go to the beach, or the trails in the hills. For others, it might be the woods or even your favorite park. Sure enough, going for a walk anywhere in a natural setting is going to reduce your stress levels. One of my favorite places is going for a long walk along Carlsbad State Beach, either in the early morning to capture a glimpse of the dolphins playing in the waves or after work to see all the variety of amazing sunsets we are so fortunate to have in southern California.
2. Lowers Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
Believe it or not, walking can actually be good for your mind and overall mental health.
According to a study by the foundation, people who walked more than a quarter of a mile a day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
If you would like to learn more on how coupling your frequent walking routine with great sleeping habits will help ward off Alzheimer’s and Dementia, you can learn more here.
3. It Tones You Up!
It might seem pretty obvious that exercise can help you build, and tone your muscles, but this especially holds true when it comes to walking. Walking helps tone up your legs, butt and tummy. Just be sure to be aware of your posture that you’re not slouching over, and your head is held up high.
And if you’re saying you’re not the walking type and looking for something more challenging, that’s okay – we’ve got you covered. Here is a blog our very own Dr. Dawn wrote previously explaining the 5 benefits of another exercise activity that will help tone you up and is also beneficial for your heath in the winter.
BLOG: – < Why Cold Weather Running Is Good For You >
4. Keeps You Moving No Matter What Age!
Walking (no matter what age you are) can help you stay mobile and independent even in your 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond! It keeps your joints moving so they don’t seize up, and your body strong – reducing the likelihood that you’ll be affected later on in life with something like knee and hip pain.
5. Burns Calories!
And way more than you think! Brisk walking raises your heart rate, helps you get fitter, and keeps you from feeling tired less quickly. If you walk briskly for just 30 minutes, you can burn up to 150 calories. This is equal to the number you’d burn playing doubles tennis or pickleball for the same length of time. And it’s more than half the number of calories in the average chocolate bar! Although the exact number you burn depends on your body weight, age and fitness, there’s no denying that walking more is a good thing.
So, there you have it, 5 reasons why you should keep active this Autumn and explore more with walking.
Keep active all year round, so by the time the warmer months arrive, you can also keep active for longer. This allows you to be active without risking any injuries, or only slight aches and pain dampening your day.
How will you be keeping active, healthy and feeling fit this Autumn?
Dedicated to your health,
Dr. Oscar :->
P.S. I know it’s easy to say to “go for a walk to keep active when the seasons change”, but what if you’ve got knee pain that feels worse when it gets cold, making you worried to walk and keep active in case it gets worse? If that sounds like you, here’s a free guide you can download that gives you easy tips you can do to help ease knee pain.
Click here to get your copy: https://www.level4pt.com/knee-pain/
For more than 16 years, thousands of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and active people of all ages, levels and sports including Olympic medalists, professional, collegiate and recreational athletes have consulted Oscar; looking for answers to concerning questions about a fast end to their pain and best ways to improving performance.
Prior to living in Carlsbad, CA, he worked as Clinic Director for a 20,000 sq.ft. sports physical therapy and performance center. He became known as the “athlete whisperer” in the Pacific Northwest by becoming the leading sports performance enhancement physical therapist and CrossFit injury rehab and performance specialist. He also was known as a consultant to the Nike WHQ in Portland, OR.
Oscar’s passion for excelling in sports earned him the opportunity to compete in soccer both at the Division 1 collegiate level at the University of San Francisco and at the professional level playing for the California Jaguars; giving him the understanding and experience of knowing what it takes to perform and excel at the highest level of competition. Oscar is an orthopedic and sports performance specialist with a true passion for helping athletes and fitness fanatics of all ages and divisions, serving as an educator to bridge the gap between rehab and strength and conditioning.
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