Early Autumn, a perfect time to reset and restart〜

​After injuring my back in early summer, I finally started running again this morning.  It was only about one kilometer, and it was basically three short runs interspersed with three short walks...  but it felt great to be breathing hard and sweating a little from physical effort (rather than just sweltering in the summer heat).  I followed up with some easy yoga and then a bath with relaxing epsom salts.

If you have also let your exercise fall by the wayside for some reason, now is an excellent time to start it up again...  Why?  because Fall brings back cool mornings that are refreshing but not too cold to easily get moving.  And if you can get out to a park or other natural space, experiencing the change of the season can give you a fresh, motivating feeling.  There's just something in the air...

A bit of advice though, don't let that invigorating feeling in the air overstimulate you into jumping right back in where you left off.  Autumn also says, "Take it easy..."  Start slow and gentle so you don't injure yourself and set yourself back even further.  If you do muscle training, maybe start with just your body (pushups, etc.) before doing the heavy weights or machines.  If you run, begin with long, slow strides that gently stretch and warm up your muscles, and intersperse your running with periods of long, slow walking.  Or try some leisurely cycling...  Focus on your breathing, and don't forget to enjoy the air and signs of the changing seasons around you.

Autumn with its colors, smells, foods, and traditions is my favorite season and no matter your favorite season I think we can probably agree that there is a certain magic in the early fall.  If you are able, I urge you to get out there and soak up that magic right into your physique with some refreshing, reinvigorating, but also relaxing physical activity--