Despite its location right in the middle of the continent with no oceans or mountains in sight, Minnesota has lots of natural beauty that allows for endless adventures outdoors. I wouldn’t consider myself a particularly “sporty” person, but I do try to keep myself active as much as possible. Lately, my favorite way to do so has been so simple that it may not even feel like physical activity at first — I like to stay active by walking a few miles every day.
Fall is an especially great time to take a walk outside. It’s still warm, but not too warm, so you’ll be able to work up a sweat while still staying comfortable. That being said, walking is something that you can continue to do outside year- round, unlike many traditional sports that are reliant on the weather — just make sure to wear appropriate attire for the season.
Truly, one of the things that makes taking walks so great is that you can do so essentially anywhere, and any way you want. If you’re looking for a more intense workout, you can simply speed up a bit and turn your walk into a run. Or, alternatively, if you’re thinking you don’t have enough time in a day to exercise, walking is also a great option, as it is something you’re already doing without thinking about it. Set your mind to it, and I assure you you’ll be able to find a pocket of time in your day that can be set aside for taking a walk. With all of the paths on campus and around Northfield, it’s entirely possible to walk or run a different route every single day, and exploring just adds a whole new level of fun to it all.
Personally, I have enjoyed taking walks to the river downtown as well as through the Natural Lands surrounding campus this fall.
Enjoy the somewhat warm fall weather while you still can, and take advantage of your beautiful surroundings while staying active. Your mental and physical health will thank you.
