We’re heading further into autumn, the days are getting shorter, and it can become very easy to find reasons to stay at home.

In our recent newsletter, Kt talked about “autumn apathy”, that feeling when the change in season makes us a little less motivated to get outside and exercise.

But this is exactly the time when keeping active can make such a difference.

“I’m not a hill walker!”

Recently, we introduced a new Late Morning Saturday Hike at Houghton Forest. We walked 6 miles in 2 hours over a hilly route, enjoying some spectacular views along the way.

During the walk, one of our members, no names mentioned!, commented that she wasn’t a hill walker.

We had to point something out to her.

She had just walked 6 miles on a hilly route and absolutely smashed it!

Sometimes other people notice the improvement in our fitness before we recognise it ourselves.

Small changes really do add up

This particular member has started training for a 10k walk.

Over recent weeks she has gradually started challenging herself a little more.

She has pushed the pace on some walks, joined our Hills and Drills sessions, walked a little more often and occasionally stepped outside her comfort zone.

Those small changes have added up.

She is now fitter and stronger, and perhaps most importantly, she is enjoying discovering what her body is capable of.

It could be you

Improving your fitness doesn’t always have to involve setting yourself a huge goal.

You don’t have to climb a mountain, run a marathon or spend hours in a gym.

It could simply mean booking an extra walk this week.

Perhaps you could try a slightly longer route, walk a little faster, tackle a few more hills or try one of our fitness sessions.

The important thing is to challenge yourself just enough to encourage your body to adapt.

Over time, the hill that once seemed daunting becomes manageable. The distance that felt too far becomes your normal walk. You suddenly realise you can keep up with a slightly faster group or finish a walk feeling as though you could have gone further.

That’s progress.

What if I’m worried about keeping up?

This is something we understand at WALX Coast and Country.

Our programme includes walks for different levels of fitness and ability, and we work hard to make sure people feel comfortable choosing the right sessions.

On many of our walks we can accommodate different walking speeds while keeping everyone together. Faster walkers may be given opportunities to stretch themselves or work a little harder, while nobody is simply left behind.

If you’re unsure which walk is right for you, ask. We would much rather help you choose a suitable starting point than have you stay at home because you’re worried you won’t be able to keep up.

Don’t let autumn apathy win

As the weather changes, it can be tempting to tell ourselves we’ll get back to exercising when the weather improves.

But weeks can very quickly become months.

Getting outside, meeting other people and having something booked in the diary can be exactly what we need to keep moving through autumn and winter.

So take a look at the WALX Coast and Country programme.

Book that walk.

Try something slightly different.

Challenge yourself a little.

A few weeks from now, you might be the person saying, “I’m not a hill walker”, while standing at the top of the hill you’ve just climbed!

It could be you.

Ready to get started?

Take a look at the WALX Coast and Country programme today and book a walk that feels right for you.

Already a member? Why not choose something this week that gives you a little extra challenge?

New to WALX Coast and Country? We have walks and activities around Littlehampton, Chichester, Arundel, Worthing and the surrounding Sussex countryside. You don’t need to worry about choosing the right session on your own. Get in touch with Denise and we can have a chat about your current fitness, what you’d like to achieve and the best place for you to start.

Don’t wait until you feel fitter to join us. Start where you are, and let us help you build from there.

View the WALX Coast and Country programme, choose your walk and book your place today.