Autumn is one of our favourite times of year here at Sarum Physio. There’s something magical about the crunch of leaves underfoot, the dog charging wildly through golden piles, and the slow, beautiful shift in colours across Salisbury’s parks and paths. It’s a season that invites reflection, a natural slowdown—and a gentle reminder to keep moving.

Because while Autumn may whisper “rest,” your body still needs motion. And that’s where Autumn Moves come in.

Why Movement Matters More Than You Think

Movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about function. It is the small and simple things you do that keep your joints lubricated, your muscles strong, your circulation flowing, and your mood lifted (yes, even on grey days). It’s your body’s way of staying pumped, oiled and ready to move.

And we’re not talking marathons here. We mean:

  • A brisk walk through Queen Elizabeth Gardens here in Salisbury (other parks and green areas available).
  • A gentle stretch before your morning coffee
  • A few knee exercises while waiting for the kettle to boil
  • Joining the Salisbury parkrun on a Saturday (you can walk it).

Autumn Moves: The Season of Sneaky Stiffness

As the temperature drops, your body naturally tightens up. It’s like your muscles are trying to become scarves. That’s why it’s so important to keep moving, even if it’s just a little bit, every day.

Below are my physio-approved tips to help you stay limber and moving daily.

✅ Layer up and keep walking—your joints love warmth.
✅ Stretch your spine after long periods of sitting
✅ Keep your feet moving to support circulation
✅ Don’t ignore that shoulder twinge—it’s not going to fix itself

That sneaky stiffness you feel as the weather cools? It’s not just your imagination—or your age! Unfortunately, as the temperature drops, blood flow to muscles and joints can decrease slightly, making them feel tighter and less responsive.

Add in more time spent sitting indoors and fewer spontaneous summer movements, and your body starts to feel a little rusty.

From a physio’s viewpoint, this is the perfect storm for reduced mobility, increased joint discomfort and when you are more likely to skip the training session. Also, when you can injure yourself from something so silly you couldn’t make it up. Like jumping up from the sofa to answer the door, or more seriously, when you do decide to hit the gym, course and court … without warming up properly.

The good news?

Autumn moves … is regular, gentle movement. Especially stretching and walking, which can help maintain flexibility, improve circulation, and keep your body feeling more like a well-oiled machine than a creaky gate.

Winter Is Coming

Let’s be honest. Winter can be a bit of a bully when it comes to movement. It brings darker mornings, colder evenings, and the irresistible lure of the sofa. But from a physiotherapy perspective, it’s also the season when we see more stiffness, more injuries, and more people saying, “I thought it would go away on its own.”

That’s why Autumn is your golden window. It’s the time to build habits that carry you through the colder months. Keep your joints moving, your muscles active, and your body warm. Even short bursts of movement—like a walk around the block or a few minutes of stretching—can help you maintain strength, flexibility, and resilience.

Think of it as winter-proofing your body. Because when January rolls around, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait.

We’re the Autumn Moves Movement Experts

At Sarum Physio, we don’t just treat injuries, we help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active all year round. Whether you’re recovering from summer adventures or preparing for winter hibernation, we’re here to support you.

So if you’re feeling stiff, sore, or just a bit “meh,” don’t wait. Let’s get you back to moving well and living fully.

Ready to feel better this Autumn and into Winter?

Book an appointment today and let’s keep you moving comfortably, confidently, and without those nagging aches and pains.