Fall is upon us, the season where the days become shorter and the weather becomes cooler. But just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean your activity level has to go with it.
Instead of letting your body go into an exercise hiatus (leading straight to a holiday food binge), take some time to game plan your fall routine. Before you blink, it will be New Year’s Eve again and you’ll be vowing to get back to the summer body you might have had all along. So, don’t stop now! Be proactive and use these seven ideas to help keep you fromfalling off the workout wagon in the months ahead.
Keep your summer wardrobe
We all need a little motivation to keep us going. The best way to accomplish that in the fall is to keep that summer wardrobe for as long as possible. When the weather does start to cool off, try to avoid baggy clothing and too many unnecessary layers. Instead stick to more form fitted clothing. If you (and other people) can see your shape on a regular basis you’ll be more inclined to maintain it. Also, treat yourself to new gear when you’re feeling good. When you reward yourself, your brain will associate your hard work with positive reinforcement. So, go ahead and splurge on those yoga pants you’ve been eyeing (and then go to yoga!).
Sign up for a Mud Run
Get schooled
Once the kids go back to school, it can be harder to find the time to work out between drop offs and soccer practice, etc. On those days, instead of opting out of your workout altogether, try fitting in at least some sort of physical activity. Walk or ride bikes with your kids to school instead of driving them if you live within walking distance. Stay a few minutes after practice to play catch one night. No, it’s not going to be the most intense workout of your life. But we’re talking about maintenance here, people; something is still better than nothing, always! Don’t throw away the whole day just because you can’t get to the gym or a class. It’s a lifestyle.
Try a Turkey Trot
Download a new workout app
Get creative at the pumpkin patch
Go beyond just the picking. Aside from all the obvious walking/running around the field with the kids, a pumpkin patch is a great place to try out your fitness creativity. For example, grab a small- to medium-sized pumpkin and use it like a kettlebell to perform some “pumpkin swings.” Or, while walking through a corn maze or trail, wander over to a hay bale and do some step ups to get that heart rate up. Try doing as many as you can for one minute, rest, and then repeat. Or try doing one of these pumpkin pickers workouts. Happy hunting!
Join a sports team
—Jennifer Cohen
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source: people.com
