Everything Autumn Part 1

I love Autumn! Love love love love love! :)

With the perfect, cool, tolerable temperatures in the 60s and lower 70s, who can really say they hate Autumn?!

I think this is a great time of year to get outside and... be physically active! Summer's heat and humidity is long gone and Winter's ice and snow is quite a bit away. So for now, the excuses to not exercise are null and void!

If you aren't already aware, many benefits of participating in cardiovascular activity exist!

1. Exercise improves your mood.
2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.
3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.
4. Exercise boosts your energy level.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep.
6. Exercise can put the spark back in your sex life.
7. Exercise can be fun!

(Thank you Mayo Clinic for your concise article!)

Well, I'm thinking there's at least one reason from the above seven that might spark your interest in exercise! Let's go with the fun one! There are so many options out there- biking, walking, running, hiking, volleyball, soccer, basketball, aerobics, skiing, snowboarding, dancing, swimming, racket ball, tennis... Find something that is fun for you! (In case you missed it, yes, exercise can be -gasp- FUN!)

I personally enjoy hiking. The picture above is from a recent hike to Mt. Chocorua in NH. Just like eating, exercise too can often be considered a fun, social event. (The major difference between exercise and eating is that exercise comes without packing in all those extra, unneeded calories.) Exercising can sometimes be lonely and boring when done alone; I understand that. So.... participate in any exercise activity with a formalized group, friends, family, or co-workers. Laughing with friends or family, reaching a goal, all while burning calories and clearing your mind from your everyday 'to-do' list. What else could be better?! For me, there's nothing better than the sense of accomplishment when you get to the top of a mountain. And nothing beats that beautiful view. So throw those excuses out the window; give it a try. You just might be surprised (and pleased) with yourself!

Happy Autumn!