Fall marks a time of cooler weather and holiday comfort foods. It can be difficult to maintain your normal workout routine during the cooler fall months. Schedule changes, changes in weather, and logistical challenges can all impact your workout routine. Fall can be an excellent time to change up an existing routine or start a new one. With a little creativity, exercises can make fall your favorite workout season.
Plan Ahead
Fall means shorter days and fewer hours of daylight. If your routine involves outdoor activities like jogging, hiking, biking or walking, you’ll want to plan ahead to take advantage of the dwindling daylight hours. Consider crockpot cooking, for example, to reduce your meal preparation time. Invest some time on the weekend, cooking meals that can be prepared ahead and frozen, to allow for more time out of doors during daylight hours.
Layer, Layer, Layer
When the temperatures begin to drop, being outside can become uncomfortably cool. Exercise, however, raises the body’s temperature. When you’re planning your fall workouts, wear your clothing in layers that can be removed as you warm up. Choose lightweight cotton and other breathable fabrics that wick perspiration away from the skin.
Effective Exercises for the Fall
Get creative with your exercise routine. Change up your regular routine by indulging in varying exercises. Try biking, walking, and jogging. If none of those appeals to you, consider engaging in new activities. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try dancing. Sign up for lessons. Join a softball team. Organize a neighborhood soccer league. Go to the park and throw the Frisbee around with your kids. The activity doesn’t matter, as long as it gets you moving.
Don’t Forget to Warm Up
The phrase “warm up” may bring to mind visions of heated cider garnished with a cinnamon stick or steaming cups of hot cocoa topped with a dollop of whipped cream, but we mean a different kind of warm up. Don’t neglect your pre-workout warmup routine and stretching exercises. Warming up before a workout helps prevent injuries and ensures you get the most out of your exercise. Fall into fitness this season, and give yourself the holiday gift of a healthier lifestyle.
