Fall is the perfect time of year to start a new exercise habit after Lap Band surgery. Valdosta and Jacksonville are calling you outside to go for a jog in the beautiful weather, so what are you waiting for?

Going for a long walk or spending the afternoon in the park can be challenging when the temperature is over 90 degrees, but you can’t let these obstacles stop you from exercising after getting Lap Band surgery. Valdosta and Jacksonville are finally cooling off as the fall weather settles in. Get outside while it lasts and enjoy a bit of fresh air—it’s great for your body and mind!

Starting New Fitness Habits This Fall

When you first signed up for a Lap Band seminar, the idea of going running might have sounded impossible. Running is a high intensity activity. It requires stamina, strength and a lot of will to keep going—qualities you already exhibit in your drive to lose weight with Lap Band. Once you start losing weight, you might find that going for a run is actually enjoyable. Before you get started though, check with Dr. Cywes to make sure it is an appropriate fitness option for you.

There is no better time to start a running habit than during the fall in Jacksonville and Valdosta. Right now the temperature is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than during the summer months, but not yet cold. There’s no need to bundle up or worry about breathing in the icy air as you jog along. This is also one of the few times a year when intense heat is less likely to interfere with your workout.

You should never wait for perfect conditions to start a new fitness habit. But if you were waiting, now is the season to take advantage and step up to the plate.

Why should you consider running as a new fitness hobby? Here are just a few reasons to consider adding this activity to your fitness plan:

• Running is free. All you need is a pair of running shoes and some workout clothes and you are on your way.
• You can ease into it. You don’t need to jump in at full speed—in fact, you shouldn’t. You can start running a few steps at a time. Go for a long walk and try increasing your speed until you can handle jogging for a few minutes at a time. As you build strength and endurance you’ll be able to run farther, faster and longer than before.
• You can enjoy the fresh air. If you don’t want to be outside you can always run on a treadmill, but there are so many perks to enjoying the outside weather while you run. The sunshine will give you vitamin D, breathing the fresh air is good for your health and being outside is actually proven to help lift your mood.

Mentally and physically, running is looked at as a premier workout. You don’t need to push yourself too far to start enjoying the fall weather. Try going for a long walk outside this week, and increase your pace as you feel up to the challenge. With time, running will seem like more of a possibility to you—and you might find that you actually enjoy it!