Cooler temperatures, shorter days, changing weather, and new routines can all affect how much we move. There may be less time to spend outside, or staying in may simply feel more appealing. The ways you stayed active during warmer months may not work as well when it’s colder or gets dark earlier. But making a few small adjustments can help you keep moving as the seasons change.
Enjoy the cooler weather
For many people, cooler temperatures make spending time outdoors more comfortable. A walk, hike, bike ride, or yard work can add activity to your day without necessarily feeling like a workout. If you have a dog, try taking a slightly longer walk or visiting a nearby park or trail together.
With fewer daylight hours, it may already be dark when you get home from work. If you can, head out earlier in the day. If you’re walking, running, or biking after dark, choose well-lit areas, stay aware of your surroundings, and wear reflective clothing or gear. A reflective collar or harness can help make your dog more visible on evening walks, too.
Have a plan for being active indoors
It can be helpful to have a few ideas for ways to be active inside. When it’s too cold, rainy, or dark to head outside, you still have options for getting some movement into your day.
You could follow an exercise video, stretch while watching television, dance to a few favorite songs, or get moving with chores around the house. Playing with your pet can get you moving, too. With a little creativity, you can find plenty of ways to keep moving inside.
Work with changing schedules
School schedules, work demands, family responsibilities, and the approaching holidays can all keep you busy. When you don’t have time for a full workout, look for ways to add movement throughout your day. Try a short walk after lunch, take the stairs when you can, or get up and move between meetings. Even when it doesn’t feel like exercise, that movement counts.
Choose something you can fit into your week without adding more pressure. That might mean taking a ten-minute walk while your child is at practice, doing a few simple exercises before your morning shower, or stretching during a break from work. Start there and add more if your schedule allows.
Find what keeps you moving
There’s no one right way to stay active—just what’s right for you. It’s easier to keep moving when you have something to look forward to, whether that’s time with a friend, music you love, or a chance to be outside. Walking with a friend, gardening, dancing, taking a class, or exploring a new trail can all get you moving.
It’s natural for your activity level to vary from week to week. When weather or schedules get in the way, consider a different activity, another time of day, or a shorter workout if needed. The goal is to keep movement part of your life, even when how you do it changes.
