There’s something about autumn that makes us want to slow down.
The mornings are darker, the evenings arrive earlier and suddenly sitting down with a cup of tea and a blanket seems much more appealing than going for a walk!
And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a cosy evening, it’s also important not to let the change in season mean that we stop moving altogether.
For many of us, autumn is the point where our activity levels naturally start to drop. We spend less time outside, walk less and often spend longer sitting down. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. Staying active doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or committing to an hour-long workout every day.
Sometimes, it’s simply about finding little opportunities to move.
Why does movement matter?
Our bodies are designed to move.
Regular movement helps keep our muscles working, our joints moving and our bodies feeling comfortable. It can also support balance, strength and flexibility, while helping us maintain independence as we get older.
The important thing is that movement doesn’t need to be strenuous.
A walk around the block, some gentle stretches while watching television, getting up regularly when you’ve been sitting for a while or joining a chair yoga class can all be ways of keeping your body moving.
Don’t wait until you’re stiff
One of the easiest habits to fall into is sitting still for too long.
Perhaps you’re watching television in the evening, reading, working at a computer or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends. Before you know it, an hour or two has passed.
You might then stand up and think, “Oh, I feel stiff!”
Rather than waiting until your body starts complaining, try building little movement breaks into your day.
Stand up and walk around the room.
Roll your shoulders.
Move your ankles.
Have a stretch.
Even a couple of minutes can be a useful reminder to your body that it is meant to move.
Make movement part of your everyday life
Movement doesn’t always have to be labelled as “exercise”.
Walking to the shops, gardening, doing the housework, playing with grandchildren or taking the stairs are all opportunities to use your body.
The best routine is often the one that fits naturally into your life.
And if getting down onto the floor isn’t comfortable for you, that doesn’t mean yoga isn’t an option.
Chair yoga provides a gentle and accessible way to work on movement, mobility, breathing and relaxation while remaining seated or using a chair for support.
A little movement is better than none
It’s easy to think that if you haven’t got 30 minutes spare, there’s no point doing anything.
But that’s simply not true.
Five minutes of movement is still five minutes.
A short walk is still a walk.
One yoga class a week is still an opportunity to move, stretch and connect with other people.
Try taking away the pressure to “exercise properly” and instead ask yourself:
“What can I do today to help my body move?”
You might be surprised by how much you can fit into an ordinary day.
Autumn is a great time to start
If your movement routine has slipped over the summer, don’t see that as a failure.
Life changes. Routines change. That’s normal.
Autumn can simply be an opportunity to start again.
At Stretching Stars, our chair yoga sessions are designed to make movement accessible, friendly and enjoyable. Classes include gentle chair-based yoga, breathing techniques and meditation, with options to work at a level that feels comfortable for you.
You don’t need to be flexible, experienced or particularly “good at yoga”.
You just need to come along and give it a try.
Find Stretching Stars near you
We currently offer chair yoga in:
Sheepy – Mondays at 6:45pm
Ambleside Sports Club – Tuesdays at 11:45am
Atherstone – Thursdays at 9:45am
Market Bosworth – Thursdays at 11:45am
Sessions are £5 per class, with options including individual sessions and block booking.
You can check the latest timetable and book your place through the Stretching Stars booking page.
So as the evenings get darker and the temperature drops, don’t forget about your body.
Put the kettle on, grab your jumper and then… maybe have a little stretch too!
A few minutes of movement today can help you feel better tomorrow.
