7 Fall Fitness Tips
Don’t fall out of fitness!
Whether you spent the summer swimming with your kids, running in races or walking at the local park, exercising outside doesn’t have to end this fall.
In fact, fall is a great time to harvest a new routine to re-energize and also to switch up your current workout and fitness routine.
Consider the following fall fitness tips to get you motivated to move!
Enjoy the beautiful colors of nature
Exercising outside doesn’t even feel like you’re doing anything strenuous, especially if you’re doing something you enjoy.
Delight in the cooler weather and take advantage of outdoor adventures before the cold winds of winter start rolling in. Research Metro Park trails nearby to enjoy a walk, hike or bike ride amid this season’s colorful foliage.
Try an outing of apple picking or pumpkin gathering, or take your friends and family out for some seasonal photos. The colors of the trees make wonderful backdrops! Activities like these are sure to burn calories, as well as help, reduce stress in general.
Make sure you layer
The fall season, while beautiful, brings about a cooler change in climate.
Since we are in Northern Ohio, temperatures could gradually decrease or drastically dip over the next month. Keep this in mind as you plan outdoor fall fitness activities, both solo and with family and friends.
Consider investing in breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. Though you may feel chilly at first, your body will quickly warm up once your blood starts pumping so you don’t want to overdress either.
For those colder morning runs, a hat will help insulate your head where you lose the most heat.
Work out at home
Now that the days are getting shorter and the holiday season is looming, fitting fitness into your daily routine may seem like it is impossible. But remember, even 15 or 20 minutes is enough time to get in a quick workout — a great time for living room aerobics or a quick dash around the neighborhood. Even three 10 minute walks a day equals 30 minutes of exercise!
Be prepared for those brief moments of free time indoors with fitness DVDs or better yet, hit up some of the new paid services online, like Daily Burn or Beachbody. Both offer a free trial!
Get the right tools
For the most part, you can challenge your muscles with your own body weight and avoid the specialty equipment advertised on TV and the internet. Keep in mind though, some items are helpful to your results and are fairly inexpensive, like hand weights or resistance bands.
Enjoy local harvest produce
Grocery stores and farmers’ markets are full of the fall’s freshest and most delicious produce including apples, figs, pears, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and all different kinds of winter squash. In-season produce is rich in flavor and cheap on your wallet.
Try some savor recipes like butternut squash soup or a root vegetable bake with chicken for healthy meals with your family.
Weigh yourself regularly
With colder weather comes sweaters and bulkier clothes; it is so easy to overlook a few extra pounds through chunky sweaters. Combat this oversight by weighing yourself regularly, preferably at the same time every day to get the most accurate reading.
Most of all, be safe
Shorter days bring dark mornings and evenings, but this shouldn’t discourage you from an outdoor exercise regime. Just be smart about your new routine.
Remember to always wear reflective workout clothes and carry a flashlight to illuminate your path.
Bike riders should invest in headlights and blinking tail lights as well as make sure to stay clear of heavy traffic roads. Sticking to the trails this time of year is advantageous, as well as a visual playground with all the beautiful colors.
All early morning or evening exercisers should opt for designated paths or head to their local high school track, if available.
With these great tips and ideas for fall fitness, you’ll be on your way to looking great in holiday photos with your family and friends this year!
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