Whoever said January first is the best time to make health and fitness resolutions was obviously not a meteorologist.
Fall, however, is the perfect time for a transition – in both weather and lifestyle. Children are back in school, the holidays are right around the corner, and there is a certain crispness in the air that invites you to step out of your home and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why decline that invitation? The Augusta Sportswear Brands Training Team is here to share some fall fitness tips to keep you motivated throughout the year.
The 30 Day Rule
Our first word of encouragement is to keep the 30-day rule at the forefront of your mind. It takes about four weeks for your body to fully adapt to lifestyle changes. That means that giving up after two weeks has the potential to reverse all the progress you’d made up to that point. Give your body the chance to catch up with your motivated mind by sticking with it. Incorporating your fitness into a routine will transform a faraway fitness goal to a comfortable habit.
Get Out
Everything about fall is begging for you to get outside. The mornings and evenings stay cool, and mother nature provides you with a Planet Earth-worthy scenery by flaunting its fall colors. If running isn’t your thing, don’t let it stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Find a park to take a few laps, or maybe even do some lunges and jumping jacks. Exercising with a friend can lessen your anxiety if you’re feeling awkward about mountain climbers in the park. Some parks even hold fitness classes outside! Let the cool fall air be your invitation to fitness.
Avoid Holiday Sweets
Moderation is key, but it’s tough. But if you can be smart about your holiday treats and sweets, it’ll go a long way in easing the difficulty. Putting a dish of candy corn out on the coffee table is going to turn into a loss for Team Willpower and an easy win for Team Candy. Buying in excess or having unhealthy snacks around the house make it a lot harder to avoid them. Instead, consider pre-portioned sweets and treating yourself in doses; this way you’ll be able to enjoy the tastes of fall without going overboard.
Savor the Season
Instead of diving into the candy dish, check out the produce aisle! Foods like apples, figs, pears, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and winter squash are all in their top shape during the fall season. Look up new recipes and surprise yourself with your cooking skills. Trying new things can be fun, exciting and a great way to motivate you to be healthy.
Layer Up
Transitioning weather calls for lots of layers. The weather can be unpredictably warm or cool, so you want to make it easy to change what you’re wearing along with the temperature. By choosing the right active wear you’ll get the most out of your workout.
Commitment, Convenience, Consistency
You’ve heard it once, you’ll hear it again. Living a healthy lifestyle is only made possible if you are able to incorporate the three C’s. Commitment means that you are coming to this decision with determination and a well thought-out plan. Convenience means you aren’t driving 30 minutes every day to visit a gym you only stay at for 10. Exercise needs to be convenient for you or else you won’t continue with your plan. Consistency is the result of your commitment and convenience. If your plan is carefully thought out, you remain consistent (which brings us back to the 30-day rule).
Don’t hold off on your exercise goals until January when fall is here right now. Getting a head start means continuing those habits throughout the year and enjoying fall and all its glory again next year. We’re here help you get there with the gear and the motivation to make this fall your best yet.