Healthy Fall Outdoor Activities and Tips

Fall is here and if you’re an outdoor enthusiast as I am, you’ll know that the evenings have turned cold (at least here in the Midwest) and the mornings are even colder. As it get’s colder, it gets easier and easier to skip a workout or hibernate inside.

Fall and winter bring with them not only cold weather, but great opportunities for new outdoor activities you and your family can enjoy. As you move your workouts and activities into colder weather, consider the following to stay safe and healthy:

• Dress in layers: You want to make sure you’re comfortable as your body warms up, but you also want to be careful not to over heat. Keep your base layer tight and made of sweat-wicking material. Avoid cotton if you can!
• Stretch: Stretching is incredibly important before and after a workout. Your muscles are more limber when they’re warm, so the longer you wait after a workout, the less effective stretching is. Don’t forget cooler temperatures will cool you down faster. Begin your workout with dynamic/active stretching and finish your workout with static stretching.
• Warm-up: As important as stretching is warming up. When working out in colder weather, remember your body has to work harder to warm itself up. Don’t be hard on yourself it if takes you longer to get into your groove.
• Be forgiving: If you can’t go as far or as hard or as fast as you normally would, don’t be hard on yourself. Remember that there are outside elements that are out of your control – listen to your body.
• Hydration: In colder weather, you likely won’t feel as if you’ve sweat as much. Trust me, you have. Hydration essential at all times, but as the air dies out and moisture is sucked from your skin, it’s more important than ever to hydrate before, during and after a workout.

If you’re not so much a fan of solo outdoor workouts, the following are some of my favorite family-friendly outdoor cold-weather activities:

1. Hiking
2. Sledding
3. Ice Skating
4. Snowshoeing
5. Snowmen building
6. Yard work (who doesn’t love jumping in leaves)
7. Fire pits for roasting marshmallows
8. And finally, my favorite, go for a family walk!

Fall is my favorite time of year as it is full of colorful change, transition and tradition. I hope you enjoy the fall – cold weather and all!

Falling Into Fun: with the kiddos!

Fall is a great season to get outdoors with the kids. Although my daughter is too young to walk, there are still plenty of things to do outdoors with little ones. 

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Apple orchards and pumpkin patches are hot spots for young and old alike but they can get pricey so what we usually do is just avoid the tours or hay rides and walk around enjoying the cider and donuts (which if you like to bake, definitely check out these two recipes that I made over the weekend: pumpkin donut holes and maple cinnamon donuts). Bring the stroller or back/front pack and you're set for a fun day!

Check out local parks or trails in your area. A walk among nature is a wonderful (and inexpensive) way to experience the great weather. We love to hike as it creates time to just be together; there are no distractions from home or electronics, and its a great time to just talk about life. While you're hiking, pick up colorful leaves, pinecones, or acorns for fall crafts around the house. There are many crafts that are easily found on Pinterest these days that bring the outdoors inside so be sure to search on there for some good ideas this season. Here are a few fall craft ideas that I thought looked easy and fun:

• Hanging leaves banner
• 10 fall crafts: a collection of quick and easy creations
• Thumbprint tree (you could even modify this and make a thumbprint turkey for a Thanksgiving craft)

Other fun activities might include raking the leaves in the front yard (with jumping in the piles of course); this not only includes exercise but it turns a chore into a game for the whole family. Make up a batch of hot cider (great recipe found here: hot apple cider) and you have youself a great way to finish out the activity. 

Whether you plan a full day out in the crisp cool weather, or you just hang out in your back yard, fall is a great time to get out into nature! I hope you find some unique- and inexpensive- ways to spend your fall days with your family this year. Make sure and leave us a comment so we can share in your adventures! 

-Ruth