Fitness Tips

Summer is officially over and so goes bikini weather. To most people, this is a relief and time where you can pack on a few pounds and not feel as guilty. And, once January hits everyone starts all over again with their diet and exercise regiments for the New Year. Why not stay ahead of the game, look fantastic in all of your holiday photos, and maybe even lose some weight before the end of the year? Below are 11 tips on how to embrace fall fitness and get a head start.
1. Let the refreshing fall weather be a new beginning to your health and fitness routine. Depending on where you live, the summer could have been sweltering. Too hot in fact to workout outdoors. As the cooler weather approaches you can switch up your workout routine and do more outdoor activities such as running, biking, kayaking, rollerblading and the list goes on.
2. Make fall your “New Year’s Resolution”. While everyone stresses about starting their new healthy lifestyles after the holidays, start yours now! This way you will feel great about yourself during the holidays especially when you will most likely see more familiar faces during that time. Not to mention, the dreaded family photo sessions won’t feel so bad.
3. Embrace the seasonal fruits and vegetables. Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, sweet dumpling squash, pumpkin, cranberries, pineapple, date-plums, and Barbados cherries are just a few seasonal, healthy foods that you can incorporate into your meals and spice things up a bit.
4. Reward yourself with your favorite shows, not food. We all know fall kicks off the season premieres on TV. Make a pact with yourself that you can only watch your show that night if you get your workout in beforehand. This can be a great motivator.
5. Avoid feasting on football Sunday snacks. Even if you are not a football fan yourself, chances are you will get invited to a game party or out to a bar. Socializing with friends is great, just remember grazing on all of those calorie packed appetizers and beers can add up quickly and sabotage all the work you have put in.
6. Spend more time doing outdoor activities. Whether it is taking your dog for a longer walk, gardening, playing with your kids or even going apple picking with your significant other, you are burning calories and enjoying the fresh fall air.
7. Sign up for a race or a new fitness class. Locking yourself into a small commitment can also be highly motivating. Knowing that you have to complete a race or have paid for a class can be that extra push you need when you just want to go home after work and skip your workout.
8. Find a workout buddy. Recruiting someone to go to the gym or workout with is always helpful. On those mornings where you want to hit the snooze button, your workout partner will be there to hold you accountable and vice versa. They can also be a pillar of support when you are being tempted to make unhealthy choices like eating that homemade apple pie that grandma just took out of the oven.
9. Meditate and rejuvenate. Take some time to quiet your mind each day and let all the stress of life go. By renewing your inner self, you can change your outlook on life and become a more confident person. When your body and soul are in sync, you will truly be able to feel at peace.
10. Track your progress. From start to finish keeping track of your measurements and/or weight will help you determine if you are on the right path to success.
11. Set goals and stick to them. Regardless if your goal is to eat healthier, get fit, or to lose a certain amount of weight, make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve. Without anything to work towards, you are more likely to make excuses and not hold yourself accountable. Set a goal, stick to it, and be the best you that you can be this fall!