6 Fall Fitness Tips

Fall brings cooler temperatures, colorful scenery, and new opportunities to focus on your health and wellness. As summer activities wind down and the busy holiday season approaches, it's a great time to establish healthy habits and build momentum with your fitness routine. Whether you're looking to stay active outdoors or find new ways to move throughout the day, these six fall fitness tips can help you make the most of the beautiful season.

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 phone and scrolling 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 workout class. Or take a few personal training sessions to pick up a new workout routine that works well for you.
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 together. Having a workout partner can increase motivation and hold you accountable to stay on track with your fitness goals.

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, walking pad, or elliptical is during a good football game—you barely notice the burn because the game is so intense! Have fun this fall, and don’t forget to move your body.