Exercise expert Mo Smith shares how seasonal fun can keep you moving this fall.
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and backyard games have something in common beyond the season. They’re all opportunities to get your body moving without it feeling like exercise.
Mo Smith, an exercise expert with Bailey Bariatrics, says fall outings are an easy, low-pressure way to build physical activity into your routine, no gym required.
Walk the patch and take the long way
Pumpkin patches cover more ground than most people realize. Smith recommends skipping the shortcut and walking the full loop, exploring different rows and carrying your pumpkin instead of loading it onto a cart, as long as it’s safe to do so.
The extra steps add up quickly, and most people won’t even notice they’re getting a workout.
Get lost in a corn maze
Corn mazes are as good for the body as they are for the brain. Depending on the size, a single run through the maze can add up to a mile or more of walking, all while solving clues and staying engaged with your group.
Smith says the combination of movement and mental challenge makes corn mazes one of the better hidden workouts of the fall season.
Play yard games while you wait
Long lines for cider or hayrides don’t have to mean standing still. Bringing a frisbee, football or jump rope turns wait time into movement time. Even a few minutes of tossing or skipping can keep kids and adults active while they wait.
Turn photo ops into movement breaks
Fall outings are full of chances to stop and snap a photo. Smith suggests using those moments as an excuse to move, like climbing onto hay bales, crouching down for a pumpkin selfie or walking to that perfect golden-leaf backdrop.
Why fall movement matters
Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be meaningful. Walking, playing and exploring all help improve circulation, boost mood and support overall health, according to Smith.
For families with children, fall outings also serve a longer-term purpose. When kids see adults treating movement as something joyful rather than a chore, it helps establish habits that can last well beyond the season.
This story was written by KOTV’s Jeromee Scot. You can view the full story online here.