As a new season sweeps over us, cooler temperatures make it easier to work up a sweat without overheating. Celebrate the new season with a little exercise! If you want to feel happier, more energetic, and less stressed, you’ve got to move around. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are just a few of the numerous benefits of regular physical activity:
- Controlling your weight
- Strengthening your heart
- Reducing your anxiety
- Supporting your immune system
- Boosting your energy
- Promoting better sleep
On top of everything else, exercise can be an enjoyable opportunity for social connection. Even if you’ve been inactive for a while, there are plenty of fun and low-intensity ways to stay in shape while you work your way back to your normal routine.
Take a hike
Hiking is an excellent way to combine a love of nature with your fitness goals, plus it’s great to do in groups. With just a little preparation (like planning routes, packing essentials, and investing in proper footwear), almost anyone can become an avid hiker. If you look up the popular hiking destinations in your area, you’re likely to find helpful comments from fellow hikers about the intensity of each one. That way, you can plan a hike that’s perfect for your level, even if you’re a beginner.
Hiking communities make up some of Meetup’s most popular groups! From Hudson Valley Hikers in New York (44,000 members) to Outdooraholics in London (42,500 members) and Explore Melbourne in Australia (29,000 members), Meetup is hiking all over the planet.
Go for a walk
If you live in an urban setting, hiking trails may be out of reach, but that can’t stop you from getting active outdoors. NBC News calls walking “the most underrated form of exercise” with health benefits similar to running, while taking a much lower toll on your knees, ankles, and back.
Walking is rigorous enough to be a healthy exercise, but easy enough to allow you to enjoy other things while you do it. Walking Across Chicago is a great community for urban walkers who get an intimate knowledge of their home city by walking the entire length of each street. NYC/NJ Walks explores architecture, art, and history by passing through gardens, historic estates, and annual festivals. In the Maryland area, the Chesapeake Audubon Society goes for walks while learning about plants, animals, and conservation.
Start cycling
Cycling is another good alternative for people who want to avoid high-impact exercises like running. Although cycling requires a bit more upfront investment than walking, you don’t need professional-level gear to get started. Beginner cyclists can find helpful, friendly, and encouraging groups for all levels like Denver Cycling Club and Go The Distance in Portland, Oregon.
Play pickleball
Sometimes you need an extra dose of fun and competition to help motivate your exercise. If you’re looking for something a bit outside the box, why not pickleball?
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton that you can learn how to play in minutes. The game is played on a small court, requires less running, and is always accompanied by a few hearty laughs. Pickleball has a dedicated fanbase with more than 4 million players in the United States. Check out some of Meetup’s most popular pickleball groups like South Jersey Pickleball (2,600 members) and Water Tower Pickleball (370 members) in Philadelphia.
Practice yoga
Yoga is an entry-level exercise that can also become a high-intensity activity with experience. Plus, yoga really taps into the mindfulness aspect of exercise, and it’s totally customizable: there are many different kinds of yoga you can choose from. If you like social workouts, group classes are one of the most popular ways to engage in yoga. But if you prefer to do it on your own, you can follow instructors online or memorize a few poses and build your own unique routine.
For social and nature-infused yoga, check out groups like Sunset Beach Yoga in Miami. For more of an emphasis on meditation and your mental wellbeing, discover mindfulness yoga through groups like Inner Engineering in Los Angeles.
Take the first step
When you find an activity that suits you, the most important part is to follow through. If you need some inspiration, visit our Outdoor Activities Groups and Events page to find local groups in your area.Put one foot in front of the other, take your exercise journey a day at a time, and you’re sure to see results.
Last modified on October 10, 2023
