Fall is a great time to start a fitness program because you are creating good habits going into the holiday season and all those upcoming winter months. The change of the season is the perfect time for renewed thinking and to restart those healthy habits such as eating right and physical activity.
Here are 10 Tips to help you get started.
1.
Take advantage of the weather. The crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, the astonishing Fall colors. These months are perfect for outdoor activities.
2.
Try something new. Have you always wanted to take a dance class, train for a marathon, or learn to ride a bike? Fall is the perfect time to learn something new.
3.
Make a date to exercise while watching TV. Fall is also a time for the premieres of all our favorite TV shows so instead of sitting and watching why not get active. Try walking in place, standing lunges, tricep dips off the couch, or lift weights. Or if your TV drama and comedies require your full attention-why not put those annoying commercial breaks to use and do sit-ups or push-ups. During a one hour show that adds up to about 20 minutes of exercise.
4.
Incorporate Exercise into your life. Instead of circling the parking lot for that close spot park further out and walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Take a walk during you lunch break and encourage your co-workers to join you. Or if you are like me and your evening activities include running you kids around from one activity to another-instead of just sitting or reading try walking.
5.
Rejuvenate yourself. Mind, body, and Spirit. Get a massage, learn to meditate, or take an art class. Treat yourself not just with exercise but with other activities that promote over-all wellness.
6.
The 30-Day rule. It takes about 4 weeks for the body to adapt to a lifestyle change. Studies have shown that people who give up on their fitness programs tend to do so within the first 30-days. If you keep up the habit it becomes easier!
7.
3 Cs. Commitment, convenience, and consistency. Exercise takes commitment. Convenience means going to a gym that is close by, or an activity you can do at home. Consistency-it is better to work out for 10 minutes a day rather than one hour every month.
8.
Deal with the Dark. The best way to enjoy fall is the outdoors. But it gets darker earlier and stays dark later in the morning, so be smart and safe when exercising outdoors-but don’t let the dark stop you.
9.
Dress in layers. If you are exercising outside, layer your clothing. Before your body warms up you may feel chilly but after the blood is pumping you’ll feel overdressed and can start shedding those extra layers.
10.
Find what motivates you. Everyone is motivated for different reasons, it is important to discover what your individual goals are-to lose weight, family, strength and flexibility, your overall health.
Source: WebMD.com
