3 Ways to “Fall” Into Fitness This Season
By Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park
The transition from summer to fall can make it tough to stay active. The long beach days are behind us, and the shorter daylight hours tempt us to stay indoors. But autumn is actually one of the best times of year to embrace fitness. Cooler weather makes it easier to move, and the season itself provides natural opportunities to get active. Here are three simple but effective ways adults across the South Shore can “fall” into fitness this year.
1. Yard Work Counts!
If your weekends involve leaf piles, pruning, or garden cleanup, you’re already halfway to a workout. Raking leaves is a fantastic calorie-burner, close to 300 calories an hour for the average adult, and it works your arms, shoulders, and core. Lifting and hauling bags of leaves or stacking wood adds an element of strength training. Even pushing a wheelbarrow or bending to pick up sticks becomes functional movement, helping improve balance and flexibility.
The best part? You’re being productive and active at the same time. Instead of dreading yard work, think of it as your personal outdoor gym session, with the bonus of a beautiful, leaf-free lawn when you’re done.
2. Hit the Trails
Few things compare to the beauty of a crisp fall day in New England. Hiking or even brisk walking on local trails turns exercise into an experience. The South Shore is home to dozens of scenic spots.
Hiking challenges your legs, boosts heart health, and provides the mental health benefits of time spent in nature. Studies have shown that spending just 20 minutes outdoors can lower stress and improve mood, a bonus for those balancing busy work and family schedules.
Pro tip: Bring a friend, a thermos of water, or even your dog. When you make the outing social (or furry-friendly), it’s easier to stick with.
3. Try Something New: Adult Leagues
Maybe yard work isn’t your thing and solo hikes sound too quiet. If you’re craving connection along with movement, adult recreational sports leagues are an ideal way to get active this fall. The best part is you don’t need a team of friends to join. Many leagues, like Hub Sports Boston hosted at Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park, accept free agents and will place you on a roster.
From softball under the lights to volleyball in a local gym, these leagues welcome players of all experience levels. For those who haven’t played in years, it’s a chance to knock off the rust, rediscover the fun of competition, and get a solid cardio workout while you’re at it. And for newcomers, it’s a welcoming environment where fitness and friendships go hand in hand.
Many players say the real draw is the community. Meeting new people, sharing laughs, and building friendships that extend beyond the field is fitness disguised as fun.
This season, don’t think of fitness as another item on your to-do list. Think of it as a way to embrace the rhythm of fall. Rake your way to stronger arms, hike your way to peace of mind, or join a league to move and make friends. However you choose to get moving, the crisp air and golden leaves make autumn the perfect backdrop for getting, and staying, active.
So go ahead: grab the rake, lace up your boots, or sign up for that league. This fall, fitness is waiting for you right outside your door.
About Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park:
Escape the ordinary and embark on a journey of endless thrills at Starland, your ultimate destination for fun. With outdoor & indoor adventures like mini golf, go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag, and an arcade that will make your heart race.
Home to Fuel Espresso and Bagel Co. & Rec Room - Bar & Grill. Whether it's your special day, ready to flex your sports skills, or you just wanna let loose, Starland is the spot.
Learn more about Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park here.