The warm, sunny days of summer may be drawing to a close, but luckily that means the sweet, sweet season of fall is almost here! As we say goodbye to the high temps of summer, we’re happy to see fall’s long-awaited crisp breezes, the earlier sunset, and full-time sweater weather! As happy as I am to see the heat and humidity go away, fall does switch up my schedule and can be difficult to jump straight into. One of the most difficult adjustments I have to make is definitely my workout schedule. Once fall officially begins, the days are shorter, the weather changes drastically, and planning for the holidays takes up a ton of time. However, just because the weather cools down doesn’t mean your activity level has to! Here are some of our favorite tips for staying active and healthy this fall.
Take Advantage of The Weather
It’s no surprise that the temperature during fall can drop significantly in the evening, but the weather during the day is perfect for outdoor activities! Head over to your favorite park and enjoy the view! Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year, so what better time to slip on your tennies and break a sweat? If you’re not used to outside workout routines, get recommendations for your friends or co-workers for places to go!
Be Active While Watching TV
If you’re anything like me, you wait weeks or even months for the fall lineup of tv shows. As much as I wish I could say it’s best to just leave the TV off and focus on your fitness, I know it’s not that easy. However, just because you’re tuning into your favorite shows doesn’t mean you have to find other time to exercise! If possible, try moving your treadmill or other equipment near a TV or vice versa. It’ll make your workout go by quicker and help you multi-task. If you don’t have any equipment, you can always do push-ups or crunches during commercials. Make sure you are putting in the effort and don’t give up halfway through your show!
Turn Chores Into Exercise
I think we can all agree there’s no shortage of chores around the house during the months of fall and winter. The good news is, you can combine your chores and your workout for the day! Even starting with daily activities such as climbing stairs, or cleaning the house can help get your metabolism up. If you spend more time on yard work and landscaping, you can get a mini-workout in too. While raking leaves or gardening, try working at a faster pace than normal. Make sure to use caution when bending and lifting!
30-Day Rule
There’s no doubt that when we’re busy, weeks feel like days, and months seem like weeks. Every month may fly by and you find yourself wondering how it’s already a month closer to the end of the year. However, when committing yourself to a new workout routine for an entire month, it can make 30 days can seem like a lifetime. But here’s the catch – it takes at least 30 days to make a new activity a habit. Not only that, but you have to give your body at least 30 days to show changes in physical activity and allow it to adapt to your new fitness regime. No matter how discouraged, disappointed or frustrated you become, remember to give it at least 30 days. You’ll be happy you were patient before you know it!
Dress in Layers and Don’t Forget Sunscreen
It’s super important to remember sun damage can occur during any season of the year. Yes, you read that right – sunscreen is just as important now as it was in May! Dermatologists recommend avoiding sun exposure between 10 AM – 4 PM, but it’s no surprise that may not be possible for all of us. So if you’re trying to soak up the refreshing cool temps, make sure you apply sunscreen with your normal SPF. There are few things more frustrating than damaged skin from outdoor exercise!
Keep Drinking Water, Even If You’re Not Thirsty
There’s no doubt that our body gets a break from the constant sweat we deal with all summer. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to stay hydrated in the fall. Believe it or not, it’s actually easier to become dehydrated in the fall/winter than it is in the summer! Staying hydrated has so many benefits for your health! Hydration keeps your body strong to fight off bacteria and infections, and it plays a large part in weight loss. Try setting an alarm on your phone to go off throughout the day to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Having a reminder will make it a lot easier to keep track of how much you’re drinking!
Morning Vs Evening Workouts
This may be a question you’ve never had, or maybe it’s something you’ve wondered about most of your adult life. So, is it better to work out early or to work out late? While there’s definitely not a right or wrong answer, there are pros and cons for each timeframe. If you’re a morning person, getting a workout in first thing is proven to boost your energy and mood for the day. Most people also get better sleep and find it easier to stick to a routine. However, evening workouts are beneficial, too. You have a less hectic morning, which can be a huge plus for a busy schedule. It also gives you a great outlet to blow off steam after a bad day, and you aren’t under a stressful time constraint. It’s important to realize what works better for you and what will allow you to give your workout 110%!
Fall definitely gives us an excuse to slow down and enjoy some downtime when we can get it. While we all deserve some R&R, it’s important to stay committed to being strong and healthy, no matter what season it is! What are some of your favorite tips to help you stay motivated during the fall months? Leave your comments below!
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