Keeping active throughout the year is integral for a healthy mind and body, but can feel challenging to stay on top of a workout routine you made during the warmer months of the year. As you may have become accustomed to going for runs, hikes, and bike rides in the summer months, with autumn around the corner, it is likely that your workout routine calls for a reset.
Below, we have listed some colder-season alternatives to your favourite summer activities and sports.
- Spinning – Indoor Cycling
Big fan of road-biking and cycling? While there is nothing quite like feeling the cooling sensation of wind passing through you as you pedal down the bike lanes of the city, thankfully, you can continue your passion for riding by partaking in Spin classes available at a variety of studios across the city.
Spinning – also known as indoor cycling – is an excellent way to boost your endurance and strength. Spin classes and stationary cycles are widely accessible when living in a large metropolitan area, and make for a great alternative when your favourite bike route is covered in snow. In addition, with lively beats and an energetic instructor cheering you on, spin classes offer guests a community and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for the sport.
- Yoga
There is nothing quite like embarking on your first run after a long winter and feeling the condensation of spring. While the obvious alternative for runners during the cooler season is the notorious treadmill, unfortunately, these machines offer less inspiration and motivation than that of running on a sunny day. For this reason, we suggest outdoor runners to consider switching their morning run to a morning yoga practice.
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices which originated in ancient India. This series of poses and stretches will aid in improving posture, flexibility, strength, balance, and awareness of one’s mental and physical condition. Incorporating yoga in your fall workout routine will help you prepare your body for future summer sprints and marathons, by allowing space for your joints and muscles to heal and rebuild themselves.
- Boxing
From beach volleyball to boxing – while summer is a great time to dip your toes in the sand and compete against local volleyball teams alike, this sport is less desirable with the windy weather and crunchy leaves of the fall time.
For this reason, we suggest our audience consider the exercise of boxing. Although boxing can seem like an aggressive sport, a trip to a boxing studio will show you that this exercise is one that will challenge your focus, build determination, and improve your mobility. In addition, jabbing a couple of hooks into a punching bag is a great stress release and can build your sense of personal safety as you increase your self-defence skills. By the time the seasons change back to warmer temperatures, you’ll find your volleys and serves will pack an extra punch from the strength you gained in your boxing practice.
- Swimming
The all-season sport of swimming is definitely one to consider including in your fall workout routine. Diving off cliffs and into the ocean is a thrill-seeking summer activity; however, these activities are best done with the confidence and skill set of a well-seasoned swimmer.
Spending time in the autumn months to practice your breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly stroke in an indoor swimming pool with a lifeguard on duty is the best way to become a more confident swimmer. In addition, swimming is an excellent low-impact recreational activity for all ages that will strengthen your body’s cardiovascular system.
- Stair Master
Lastly, our final autumn-friendly workout swap we recommend would be for our fellow hike lovers. Hiking requires stamina and strength that can be built during the cooler seasons of the year by hopping on the somewhat daunting, yet very effective, Stairmaster. Build your glutes, quads, and calves, and get them ready to climb up scenic hills and mountains in the summer months by testing your endurance, and seeing how many flights of stairs you can climb before giving in. While Stairmaster machines can be found at most local gym studios, this exercise is very accessible as it only requires a set of stairs which you can climb up and down to build the muscles in your lower body. Once summer rolls around, your legs will be taking you to new heights.
Seasons changing allows for space to reconsider your daily practices and routines. Staying physically active is a priority in helping maintain both your physical and mental condition, and can be especially helpful during the slower and colder months of the year. We hope you take the time to connect with your body, and reflect on what you may need to include in your autumn workout routine by considering some of the summer sport alternatives mentioned in this article.
Arnav Khosla | Contributing Writer
