6 Fall Fitness Tips

The crisp air is back, leaves are changing, and football is on TV. It truly is fall again. With fall comes the potential for more free time—especially more than summer and the holiday season bring. If you had the beach body all tuned up, or even if you didn’t quite have it this year, fall is a great time to exercise. The holidays are fast approaching, and it can be nearly impossible to diet and stay healthy during that crazy time of the year. So get ahead of the game with these six fall fitness tips.

1. Take advantage of local or state parks. Now that the peak season for parks is over, it may be the perfect time to head to a state park for some hiking. The trails won’t be as packed and you can take your time to enjoy the scenery.
2. Exercise during commercials. Fall is peak TV season—new shows are premiering daily, your favorite shows are coming back, and football is on four or five nights a week. Instead of grabbing your smartphone during a commercial break, take the opportunity to get up and move a little bit.
3. Enjoy the colors. Get outside and exercise when you can. The cool air will feel good during your run or walk, and working out in the colorful foliage is always a treat.
4. Try something new. Don’t get bored by your own exercise routine. To keep yourself interested, try a new class. Or take a few personal training sessions to pick up a new workout routine.
5. Wear layers. If you do plan to work out outside, then dress accordingly. You may feel cold at the beginning of your workout, but as your body heats up you may want to lose your sweatshirt. Wear proper layers underneath your sweatshirts and jackets so you can keep your body at a comfortable temperature for the entire workout.
6. Grab a friend. Set up a daily time with a friend to go on a walk or go to the gym. Having a workout partner can increase motivation and hold you accountable.

So, whether you plan a full exercise regime or just take a daily walk, exercising is important and making time is the biggest hurdle. Take advantage of the weather and get outside before the temperatures get too cold. And don’t let weekend football keep you glued to the couch. Sometimes the best time to be on a treadmill or elliptical is during a good football game—you barely notice the burn because the game is so good! Have fun this fall, and don’t forget to exercise.