Autumn Exercise: A Guide to Preventing Colds, Injuries, and Excessive Strain

Autumn Exercise for "Three Preventions"

Exercise in autumn not only helps to nourish the lungs and improve the function of respiratory organs, but also enhances the immune function of various tissues and organs, as well as the body's ability to resist external cold stimuli. However, due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in autumn, in order to achieve good fitness results, three precautions must be taken into account:

1. Prevent catching a cold: The temperature is low in the early morning of autumn, so clothing should be adjusted according to the outdoor temperature changes. Excess clothing should be removed only when the body is warmed up during exercise. After exercise, it is important to avoid wearing damp clothing in cold wind to prevent the body from catching a chill.

2. Prevent sports injuries: When the temperature drops, the muscles and ligaments of the human body reflexively cause blood vessel constriction, significantly reducing muscle flexibility and joint physiological activity, and decreasing the nervous system's ability to regulate the organs involved in movement. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare adequately before each exercise session.

3. Prevent excessive exercise: In autumn, the Yin essence and Yang qi of the human body are in the stage of convergence and nourishment, so exercise should also follow this principle. The exercise intensity should not be too high to prevent excessive sweating and depletion of Yang qi. It is recommended to choose light and gentle activities with a moderate level of physical exertion.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: "Autumn Chill" Beneficial for Preventing Excess

Strengthening cold resistance exercise as the weather gets cooler can enhance the body's ability to resist and adapt to cold environments, thus helping to prevent many diseases. The understanding of "autumn chill" should not be limited to adding clothing when it is not yet cold. It should be broadly understood, such as in terms of exercise, emphasizing cold resistance training to enhance the body's ability to adapt to cold weather. Regardless of the type of activity, it is important not to sweat profusely. When the body feels slightly warm but has not started sweating, it is advisable to stop exercising to ensure the inward containment of Yin essence and prevent the depletion of Yang qi. Cold water baths should be continued throughout the autumn without interruption.