Staying fit and healthy in the fall can be enjoyable and energizing! As a Special Olympics MA athlete, here are five of my favorite activities to maintain my health and explore the outdoors during this fall season.

One of my favorite fall activities is apple picking with friends and family. Many local farms open their orchards to the public, allowing us to enjoy the season and bring home fresh apples. My family and I visit Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, MA at least once a year. I especially love picking Honeycrisp apples for their great flavor and crunch. When I do go apple picking, I always look at the in-season apple list so I can tell the apples that are out. I also look for the trees that have seasonal apples. I enjoy looking at the trees that people either overlook or believe branches are completely empty. It's always fun to find trees away from crowds but finding a tree that has massive apples is amazing.  

Raking leaves can also be a satisfying fall chore and workout. It is a wonderful way to enjoy nature and connect to the world around us. The repetitive motion of raking brings me a sense of calm and happiness. To me, raking leaves is better when you can do it with a friend or family member so you can chat about things in your life. Raking leaves can often feel like a very stressful chore; but once I get the leaves to move from one side of the yard to the other, it gives me time to think about my day as my arms burn. Every so often I'll even put my music on and that helps speed up the process and calms me down in a job well done.

Another fall activity I enjoy is strolling through haunted houses. They provide a thrilling experience that offers an adrenaline rush, stress relief, and opportunities for social bonding. Haunted houses create seasonal fun during spooky times while helping people face their fears. The fear experienced stimulates the brain, boosts confidence, and leaves a sense of accomplishment. My very first haunted house was with my family at Witches Woods when it was at Nashoba Valley Ski Area when I was 15 years old. I loved all the heart racing with the blood and guts (all fake) so much. My favorite parts of a haunted house are the lost souls trying to get out; nope trapped forever! They have moved Witches woods from Nashoba Valley Ski Area and I haven't been to the new location (but I'm trying to go this year).

Fun fact: soccer was my very first Special Olympics sport! My mom had signed us up to volunteer for fall soccer at Special Olympics, so I decided to check it out and have been playing soccer now for eighteen years! I played on a 5-a-side Traditional team which is a team that consists of a coach and twelve Special Olympics Athletes; but since Special Olympics Massachusetts went to a 7-a-side this is my first year playing Unified. I also enjoy the team dynamics that comes with being on a Special Olympics MA soccer team.

My favorite part is the friendships we all make every year either by sportsmanship or meeting a new teammate.  

Another way to stay mentally and physically fit in the Fall is going for walks and seeing the foliage. Going for walks is an easy way to alleviate the stress of everyday life. Fall is the best time to take walks because of the colors you will see. The leaves cover the ground in front of you like a blanket with red, orange, yellow, and even purple leaves that have fallen off the trees. In my opinion, the best spot to go to see the fall foliage is New Hampshire, more specifically the White Mountains where I’ve been hiking and biking with my family most of my life. The blanket of trees and the colors—you have to see to believe and it’s truly remarkable.  

It is important that as Special Olympics athletes we maintain a healthy lifestyle during the fall season. By trying these five activities, I hope to inspire other athletes to get outside, spend time with family and stay active. Fall is a season of color, good eats, and great friendship. Without this season the year just wouldn't be the same!  

Inclusive health content is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan, the Official Health Insurance Partner of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan and Special Olympics Massachusetts are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through resources that support individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Tufts Health One Care, a health plan for those with disabilities who have Medicare and Medicaid, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/SOMA

‍ Gregg Gallant is a member of the Special Olympics MA Content Squad. The mission of Special Olympics MA Athlete Leadership is to empower athletes to develop communication skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles. As members of the Content Squad, athlete leaders contribute to Special Olympics MA story-telling through interviews, photos, video creation, and more.

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