There’s no denying it. There’s a certain chill in the air, Thanksgiving leftovers are taking over the fridge, and colourful leaves are littering the ground. It’s autumn.
Luckily, it’s a fantastic season for getting in shape. So don’t hibernate. Check out these 5 exercise tips that will get your blood pumping and your body ready for winter, even if you’d rather stay on the sofa.
1) Hit the trails. With all that beautiful foliage, getting outside can be its own reward. So why not take advantage of the cooler temperatures to go for a run or a hike through the woods? You can challenge yourself to explore new terrain while increasing the intensity of your workout without worrying about overheating. Plus, there will be fewer people on the trails, so you could potentially have your own private oasis.
2) Take a new class. If you’re typically an outdoor exerciser, but you’re worried about the colder temperatures, now’s the perfect time to try a new fitness class. Your instincts might be telling you to stay inside, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your personal fitness. From boot camp to spin classes, dance to hot yoga, there are tons of great classes to get you moving at Womens Fitness Clubs. Classes are the best way to combat that hibernation instinct, and to challenge yourself mentally and physically.
3) Design a new workout. Perhaps you spend most of your time on the treadmill? Or maybe you’re a rowing fanatic? Maybe you’re usually a die-hard yogi? But you might be noticing that your motivation is waning with the mercury. This is the time of year that our workout regimes start to feel a bit stale, which makes them harder to stick to. That’s why fall’s the ideal time to reset your fitness clock. Mix up your routine whenever you hit the gym. If on Monday you used the treadmill, ride a recumbent bike on Tuesday. Spend an hour on the elliptical today and do a floor routine tomorrow. Keep your workout interesting and your body will thank you all winter.
4) Rake your yard. The leaves might look beautiful on the trees, but they can take over your lawn and eaves troughs before you know it. Luckily, cleaning them up is a great workout. Not only does raking increase your heart rate, but the repetitive motion is fantastic for developing core and arm strength. In fact, you can burn almost 300 calories an hour just taking care of the leaves. But why stop there? Chop some wood, pull up some weeds, and get your garden ready for winter. Yard work is a great way to get active outdoors.
5) Enlist a buddy. After the intense family time of Thanksgiving and before the chaos of holiday parties, it’s tempting to shut down socially. But don’t give into social hibernation; make fitness your social medicine. Plus, it’s easier to stick to a fitness plan when you’re accountable to another person. So grab a friend and get moving! Then reward yourselves with a glass of wine once you’re done your workout to increase your fitness… and for the social benefits.
