Recently, Mattress Direct posted a blog entry about the link between exercise and sleep. Today, we want to give you some extra motivation to help you along your way to more alert days and more restful nights! While it may not be the usual time of year people think of when they consider making a change to a more active lifestyle, (that’s usually New Year’s Eve and swimsuit season!) we think Autumn is a great time to turn over a new leaf! (Pun intended.)
First, and this is especially true in the St. Louis area, Fall has the best weather for outdoor exercise. Walking, biking, hiking, and even running are at their most enjoyable in the crisp, temperate days of early fall. While it’s easy to get discouraged in the 100-degree, 80% humidity dog days of summer, the 50-to-70-degree days of October and November are simply ideal to get in a great workout and enjoy the changing colors of the season. Additionally, many families experience “back to school” at this time of year, and may have more free time than they did over the summer.
If you find your mornings and afternoons have suddenly been freed up now that the kids are out of the house, take advantage and get active! If you’re the type of person that prefers exercising with a group, consider finding a nearby club of walkers, hikers or bikers to keep you motivated and accountable.
You don’t have to wait until you wake up January First with a hangover and a muffin top to make the commitment to better health and a better night’s sleep. Here are some great hiking and bike trails in the St. Louis area that we recommend you check out during the next few weeks of gorgeous fall weather. Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!
https://www.stlmag.com/health/10-St-Louis-Hiking-and-Biking-Trails-Not-to-Miss/
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-hiking-trails-in-st-louis/
http://stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/Trails/TrailsbySurfaceType/PavedTrails