Take Exercise Outdoors This Autumn, Invigorate Your Spirit

Carolyn woke this morning well rested. The AC didn’t even run last night, yet the house is even cooler than usual. Coffee in hand, she unlocks the back door and steps out to the patio. The predawn sky is noticeably quiet as the brisk breeze delays the usual the bird chirping. Autumn is definitely here and just in time. The usual routine of doing worship, Bible reading and prayer before going to the gym for personal training or the group exercise class is getting a little … well, routine. It’s time to join Carolyn and many more and experience spiritual invigoration when you take your exercise outdoors.

Check out all of our outdoor exercise articles below.

SWEAT, BREATH AND CONNECT WITH GOD DIFFERENTLY – BETTER!

Cooler outdoor temperatures help your body cool itself more efficiently allowing sweat to evaporate more easily. Cooler air can be less taxing on your respiratory system and that can reduce strain on your breathing during physical activity because. The heart doesn’t need to pump as vigorously to cool the body, leading to a more efficient cardiovascular response.

With less strain on the body, you may be able to exercise for longer periods without fatigue. Beyond any physical response you gain from cooler temperatures, it’s simply just going to feel and be different. That’s huge for your mindset and your spirit. Taking your training outdoors is even more “cool” because it frees you from the confines of walls and the constraints of ceilings. It gives you more options on how you can exercise and just how much fun you can have.

Most significantly, it’s a great way to model what Christ often did. He got away from the crowds (and quite honestly for us even away from the noise we create in our own mind) so that God can connect with you. Yes, taking your exercise outdoors this autumn, can improve listening to worship music, scripture, prayers you pray aloud and the sounds of nature. But when you get outdoors be especially intent on exercising your attentiveness to listen to God.

HOW TO FULLY CHECK-IN TO CHECKING OUT

So, if you’re like a lot of people, you may be short on ideas on how to take your exercise outdoors. If you exercise on fitness equipment in the gym and you can get to a park that has permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment (like you see in the video below), then an autumn outdoor workout may pretty much be business as usual for you.

If that’s not your scenario then taking a walk around the block, or more ambitiously, going for a jog or run may be about the only exercise activity that comes to mind. Here’s some tips to help you more fully check-in to all the awesomeness you can check out this autumn:

Explore your options – We make it easy for you to do that in Shout! OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, where we organize outdoor activities into 7 categories. Each department introduces you to different types of ways you enjoy the outdoors and nurture fellowship with God. Some may be a definite no-way but don’t be shy give something new a try.

Find your place – Like Carolyn getting outdoors may be as close as your patio or a nearby trail where you can stretch among fresh fall foliage. In the autumn many Christian camps have concluded the ir summer programs and have space and resources that are quiet and just waiting for you. Find a Christian camp near where you live and schedule a visit. Parks, local, state and national are veritable playgrounds with nearly endless potential for igniting your active lifestyle and providing you with powerful spaces to commune with Christ.

Tap into community – While you can do the outdoors alone, you don’t have to. Apps like Strava will help you not only track your movement but find others who are out there already. Some may share your passion for God – others may not. Now’s the time to find how the outdoors is a place where people go to find new things, including faith. Research and look for outdoor groups in your community. You’ll likely find active communities exercising in ways you’ll want to try, and then try again. AND, if you go to church, maybe you’ll be the one that ultimately inspires your church leadership to install a disc golf course on their grounds or do something else outdoors to invigorate the spirit.

Gear up – It’s probably not a good idea to venture out on a trail in flip flops. In the autumn you’ll want some gloves and a hat at least to kayak on the local lake or estuary. Decide what gear you’d need to buy then for starters see who already has some you can borrow. In like fashion be a good steward of your outdoor gear and share it with others. Remember that exercising outdoors can be especially vigorous so consider your nutritional needs in advance as part of your gearing up. And, even though it may be cool, don’t forget the water.

JUMP INTO THE WONDER

So here’s the challenge: It’s autumn. Change the channel. Quit talking about exercising better. You’ll never see beyond your feet if you don’t dare to leap. This isn’t just about the workout or even about mixing up the training a bit. This is about waking up to God, and breathing infinity.