As the leaves change color and the temperature cools, it can be tempting to take a break from the fitness routine that was so easy when the days were long and sunny. But before you choose to curl up on the couch instead of breaking a sweat, consider this: come December, do you really want to spend another New Year’s Eve vowing to get in shape? Why wait until January to get fit when you have beautiful scenery, fresh air, and cooler temperatures for outdoor exercise right now?
Fall is a great time to try new and different forms of exercise. Try hiking or biking in a local park where you can see all the leaves changing color, or exercising while you watch the fall premieres of your favorite shows. You can even get the whole family involved: play touch football at the local park, try canoeing at a nearby lake, or even get together in the backyard for some “competitive” leave raking! Fall is also a great time to find local fitness events, like races and family fun runs, that can motivate you to stay in shape. It’s also the perfect time to sign up for that fitness class you’ve always wanted to take– whether it’s swing dancing, Zumba, or a new level of Pilates– because many classes start at the beginning of fall.
For things to do in the Howard County area, try the Family Turkey Waddle, a one mile fun run on November 12 at the J. Arthur Community Center. Or for a different sort of challenge, try the Howard County Striders Turkey Trot 10K, a prediction run on Thanksgiving morning where you start the race whenever you want and try to finish as close to 11 A.M. as possible. For a cycling challenge, check out the Howard County Double Cross on- and off-road biking events on November 13 and 20. Howard County Recreation and Parks also offers some great suggestions for hiking trails along the C&O Canal and the Appalachian Trail. Local favorite Centennial Lake also offers great opportunities to rent a canoe and check out the beautiful scenery, or you can take the family pumpkin picking at Clark’s Elioak Farm!
With so much available to do this fall, how could anyone stay indoors? Try any of these fun fall activities, along with your Pilates class, and enjoy the season and stay in shape!
