Well Adjusted: Move More Every Day

Here in our mountain villages, we’re surrounded by rivers, forests, and trails that seem to invite us outside. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live, yet it can still be surprisingly easy to stay indoors and inactive. The good news is that you don’t need a strict schedule or expensive equipment to enjoy the benefits of movement. What matters most is finding ways to move daily — and making it part of your lifestyle.

1. Go for a Walk or Hike: Step outside your door and walk the neighborhood, or head to a trail for fresh air and stunning views. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise.

2. Take a Family Stroll After Dinner: Inspired by the Mediterranean passeggiata, a walk after dinner is good for digestion and offers time for conversation and bonding.

3. Play Outside: Throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, or play tag with your kids. Playful activity doesn’t feel like exercise, but it adds up quickly.

4. Do Seasonal Yardwork: Raking leaves, stacking firewood, or clearing branches in the fall provides a surprisingly good workout. These outdoor chores build strength, use large muscle groups, and keep you moving purposefully.

5. Dance in the Living Room: Turn up your favorite playlist and move. Dancing lifts your mood, boosts your heart rate, and makes activity feel fun.

6. Strength Train: Bodyweight moves like squats, pushups, or planks can be done anywhere. As we age, strength training becomes essential for muscle and bone health and balance.

7. Bike Around the Neighborhood or Trails: Cycling is easy on the joints, builds stamina, and is a fun way to explore. As the rainy season sets in, a stationary bike can keep the habit going indoors.

8. Stretch or Do Yoga: Flexibility improves posture, reduces stiffness, and helps prevent injury. Even a short stretching session can reset your body. Take a local class if you like a group setting!

9. Try Something New: Pickleball, swimming, or a local fitness class can spark motivation. Indoor activities are a great way to stay consistent when the weather turns.

10. Make It Social: Movement is more effortless when shared. Invite a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend — accountability makes habits stick.

Gear Up for the Season

Shorter days and rainy weather can make activity feel less appealing. A good rain jacket, waterproof shoes, or even a headlamp for evening walks can make all the difference. Preparing ahead means you won’t lose momentum when the weather changes.

And when it’s just too wet to head outside, try these rainy-day ideas:

Stair Intervals – Walk or jog up and down your stairs for a quick cardio boost.

Bodyweight Circuit – Rotate squats, pushups, lunges, and planks in a 15-minute session.

Dance Breaks – Put on two or three favorite songs and move nonstop — it’s exercise disguised as fun.

Why It Matters

Movement strengthens the heart, protects bones, boosts mood, and builds resilience against chronic disease. Most importantly, when activity becomes fun and consistent, it turns into something you look forward to — not a chore.

Living here, nature is our built-in gym. By choosing simple ways to move more daily, you’ll invest in a stronger, healthier, and more joyful life.

Start today — your future self will thank you.