Is Autumn the Best Season for Outdoor Training?
Yeah, we all love Summer and look forward to it after those cold months. Sure, nothing beats a cloudless day in the park and those chill BBQs in the back garden, but is it the best time to train outdoors as well? We recently did a post on staying hydrated while training in Summer, and although it might be preferably to some, it doesn’t come without its hazards. Staying cool and hydrated is a necessity, even in sunny old Britain, which a lot of us can forget to do, resulting in heightened fatigue and even mild heat-stroke. On average, around 2,000 people in the UK suffer from heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, each year. So maybe it’s better to train during the cooler months in Autumn?
With temperatures averaging around 9 – 15C from September to October, it’s actually ideal to train outdoors during this time. Running or hiking with weighted vests are especially great activities for Autumn for this very reason. With rucking and jogging sessions ranging between 1 – 2 hours you won’t run the risk of overheating without the safety of your home nearby. Are there any other benefits to training in cooler temperatures…other than not getting literally roasted? Yep…you burn more calories!
While training outdoors in colder weather, you will burn more calories. Your body must work harder to maintain a stable core temperature. This process, called thermoregulation, uses energy, so you burn extra calories as your body generates heat to stay warm. It can also boost your metabolism as your body tries to keep warm. Have you ever heard of “brown fat” before? Exposure to cold activates brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. Unlike white fat, which stores calories, brown fat uses calories to keep you warm, leading to a slight increase in calorie expenditure. Then your heart rate might not increase as much as it would in hot conditions, which can make your workout feel easier. Those are a lot of tangible reasons to train in Autumn!
Still not convinced? Well, if Autumn still isn’t your vibe, then perhaps these other reasons might influence you.
- Beautiful Scenery:
- Autumn brings vibrant foliage, which creates a scenic and motivating environment for outdoor training. Whether you're running, hiking, or cycling, the colorful landscape adds an aesthetic bonus to your workouts.
- Fewer Crowds:
- As summer ends, many people retreat indoors, meaning parks, trails, and outdoor gyms are less crowded. You can enjoy more space and peace for your training.
- Fresh Air and Immune Boost:
- Training outdoors in autumn can expose you to crisp, fresh air, which helps reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Plus, getting outside and staying active helps strengthen your immune system as cold and flu season approaches.
- Perfect Time for Layering:
- The mild chill of autumn lets you experiment with layering workout clothes, so you stay warm without overheating. You can add or remove layers as your body warms up during training. That’s why Gravity Fitness also offer some great hoodies, perfect for training in during this time of year.
- Variety in Training:
- Autumn is a great time to mix up your workout routines with activities like trail running, rucking, hiking, and outdoor strength training, using natural features like hills and park benches for a diverse workout.
So if you’re thinking of hanging up your weighted vest or putting the trainers back in the closet until next Summer…think again. Autumn is a great time to continue training and not just maintaining your progress, but also enhancing it. Don’t forget to check out our Calisthenics App for complete workout plans and sign up to our newsletter for the latest offers, posts and information.
