As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, many people become less active. But Tennessee’s fall weather still provides plenty of opportunities to get out and move.
“I’ve noticed a trend that people tend to be less active as winter approaches,” says Kathy Mead Fronheiser, fitness center manager for the BlueCross City of Chattanooga WellAdvantage Health Center. But you don’t have to fall into that pattern.”
Why year-round activity matters
Kathy Mead Fronheiser: “One of my favorite quotes is: ‘It is easier to stay in shape than to get in shape.’ The cycle of getting in shape and then getting out of shape is not a fun one. I’d recommend at least keeping a base level of fitness all year long to make it easier on yourself.”
Getting started with an active lifestyle
Kathy Mead Fronheiser: If you’re starting out, here are some tips:
- Don’t try to do too much. You may want to eventually work up to 30 minutes of activity. But if you’re doing 0 minutes now, then walking (or doing any form of exercise) for even 10 minutes is better. So, start there. You don’t have to do 30 minutes or an hour for it to benefit your mental and physical health.
- Do something you enjoy. If you view exercise as a chore, you won’t do it. Think about what you might enjoy.
- Find a workout buddy. A companion can make exercise more fun. However, don’t depend on your buddy so much that if they don’t make it to a workout, you skip it, too.
Overcoming barriers to activity
Kathy Mead Fronheiser: Here are some common things I hear and how to overcome them:
“I don’t know where to start.” It’s understandable. A lot of information is out there. Start with whatever is easiest for you. What is convenient, and what appeals to you when you think about starting an exercise routine? If it’s walking, that’s great. Maybe you’ve been wanting to take a yoga class at a local studio.
“Something hurts.” Check with your doctor first if you’re experiencing pain. They might recommend water aerobics, water walking and swimming to take the weight off your joints. You could also try a non-impact activity like cycling, the elliptical, or a yoga class.
“I don’t have enough time.” If you can cut back on things like social media or watching TV, for instance, you could make some time to exercise. Start with 10 minutes. We all probably have 10 minutes.
Fall outdoor activities in Tennessee
Kathy Mead Fronheiser: Tennessee’s fall weather is perfect for outdoor activities. My personal favorites are cycling of any kind and walking.
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Tennessee State Parks offer excellent opportunities for fall activities:
- Hiking scenic trails with fall foliage
- Biking on park trails
- Walking or jogging on designated paths
The cooler temperatures can make it easier to get outside and be active without the summer heat and humidity.
Indoor alternatives for rainy days
Kathy Mead Fronheiser: When the weather doesn’t cooperate, you have options:
- Join a gym or fitness center
- Take group fitness classes
- Try water aerobics at an indoor pool
- Use home workout videos or apps
- Walk at an indoor mall or shopping center
Find a BlueCross Healthy Place near you
There are now two dozen BlueCross Healthy Places across the state that provide residents with access to healthy outdoor spaces. You can likely find a location near you.
“The main thing is to keep it simple,” Kathy says. “Find what is convenient. Start small. Work with a fitness professional or a friend if you can. They can help you get started, keep you motivated and provide accountability.”
More fitness tips on WellTuned
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.