MOVE, PLAY, EXPLORE

When colder, darker days disrupt your usual routine, finding enjoyable ways to move can help you stay active and connected. Journalist Sally Shore explores the social and seasonal activities that make movement feel less like a workout

There’s something about autumn that feels right for tapping into renewed energy and goals. Maybe it’s that familiar ‘back to school’ feeling as the season changes and we swap carefree summer days for new routines.

Misty mornings, crisp air and golden leaves can make getting outdoors a joy. But as the days grow shorter and winter rolls around, the temptation to hunker down on the sofa can become stronger than the motivation to lace up your trainers and head outside.

The answer isn’t necessarily to push through with the same routine. It may simply be to find a new way to move.


“Let go of the idea that exercise has to look exactly the same all year round,” says Jonny Kibble, Vitality’s Head of Exercise and Physical Activity. “If dark evenings or poor weather make your usual activity less appealing, don't be afraid to switch things up. A gym session, swim, fitness class or lunchtime walk can all help maintain momentum.

“The most sustainable forms of activity are ones that don't feel like formal exercise. Meeting a friend for a walk and coffee, taking part in parkwalk or exploring a new area on foot can all help you stay active while enjoying some social connection.

“When the weather’s less appealing, indoor activities also count. Going to the cinema, museum, indoor attraction or shopping centre often involves more movement than people realise and can be a great way to stay active without feeling like you're doing a workout.”

Yetunde Bankole, Vitality’s Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, recommends leaning into the changing seasons rather than seeing them as something to endure. “Notice the colours of the autumn leaves, the relaxing sound of rain or the feeling of creating a cosy environment in winter,” she says. “If we reframe the way we see the colder seasons, they can feel less restrictive.

“Resisting the urge to hibernate or cancel plans because spending time maintaining positive social connections benefits our mood and reduces isolation or feelings of loneliness.”

Make movement social

It’s no surprise that ‘social-cising’ has become increasingly popular, with running and walking groups springing up around the country. Whatever your lifestyle or interests, there’s a good chance you’ll find a local group that suits you.

Some put a playful spin on the traditional running club. Taylor Swift-inspired 5K and 10K events, sometimes known as Swiftathons, have proved popular, while communities such as The Croissant Run Club combine running with coffee, pastries and a chat afterwards.

But you don’t have to join a formal club. Arranging a lunchtime walk with a colleague, trying parkwalk with a friend or meeting someone for a coffee after a stroll can turn movement into something to look forward to.

Turn friendship into rewards - get a £100 gift card each

Refer a friend to Vitality and you'll both get a £100 Amazon.co.uk or John Lewis & Partners gift card after they join, and pay three monthly premiums.

Terms and conditions and a minimum £25 monthly premium applies.

Refer a friend

Move with purpose

Looking for a different way to stay active this autumn? These feel-good activities may not be on your radar yet, but they all combine movement with the chance to make a positive difference.

GoodGym

Plogging

Volunteer dog-walker

Bird spotting

Check out good gym:

If helping out your local neighbourhood is more your style, GoodGym brings people together to combine running, walking and cycling with doing something positive,

Its members take part in activities including tree planting, gardening, park clean-ups, refreshing community centres and moving furniture for older people. Anyone can join, regardless of fitness level, making it an accessible way to move more while supporting others.

Give Plogging a go:

You may also have heard of plogging, a global movement that started in Sweden and combines picking litter with walking, jogging or running around your local area. All you need is a pair of gloves and a small bag for the rubbish. October, sometimes called ‘Plogtober’, is world plogging month, so it’s an ideal time to give it a go.

Become a volunteer dog walker:

Love animals? Why not sign up as a dog-walking volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust? The charity ensures older people living with a terminal illness don’t have to part ways with their beloved pets, so it’s a lovely way to support others, hit your daily steps and explore new routes or the countryside.

For something slower paced, why not try bird spotting?

It’s a simple way to get outside, reconnect with nature and give your walk a new sense of purpose.

Birdwatching is proving popular with Gen Z, helped by lively online communities and bird-identification tools. TikTok reports more than one million posts using #birdwatching, #birdtok and #birding hashtags, while the RSPB currently has 11.6 million likes for its humorous posts. Earlier this year, the charity also announced free entry to its nature reserves for 16-24-year-olds.


Turn activity into rewards

A fitness device can help you keep track of your activity and get more from the Vitality Programme. If you have a compatible device, simply connect it to Vitality to get started.

Connect your device

Your autumn masterplan

Which one are you?


Keep active during the colder months by matching your energy levels and mood.

Click on the shoe that fits to find out more.


Take it slow

Full of energy

Ready for more

Take it slow

Full of energy

Ready for more

Fresh air fix


If you’re wanting to follow an outdoor fitness plan, follow Jonny Kibble’s five practical tips for staying active safely and comfortably when the weather changes.

Check the conditions and layer up with the right clothing

TIP 1: Wet surfaces, ice, strong winds and reduced daylight can all affect safety, so check the forecast, plan your route and have a back-up indoor option.

TIP 2: If surfaces are icy or visibility is poor, consider moving your session indoors or choosing a safer alternative. Well-lit and familiar routes may be more suitable during darker mornings and evenings.

TIP 3: Give yourself a slightly longer warm-up, too, as colder temperatures can leave your body feeling stiffer at the start of exercise.

TIP 4: The basics are comfort, visibility, waterproofing and practicality. Layers tend to work best because you can adjust them as your body warms up, while breathable fabrics can help prevent you from becoming cold due to trapped sweat.

TIP 5: As daylight hours reduce, reflective clothing and lights become increasingly important. A lightweight waterproof layer and suitable footwear for wet or uneven surfaces can also make outdoor activity more enjoyable and safer.

If you’re cycling, mudguards, lights, a puncture repair kit and a portable pump can all be useful. Carry a charged phone and consider carrying a portable charger, and let someone know your route if you’re heading out alone or travelling further from home.


Get ready to move your way

Did you know? Vitality members can access discounts on selected sports clothing and equipment from SportsShoes.com and ASICS, and bikes from Trek and Brompton.

Check your Vitality UK app or visit Member Zone for the current offers, eligibility, terms and conditions.

Find out more

Shooting stars

Previous page

Put an arm around yourself

Next page

Personalisation banner