The lazy days of summer are over, and the change of seasons provides a great opportunity to rethink and restart your fitness regimen. So why not overhaul your health and fitness goals now, in the Fall, instead of at the beginning of the year? Most people make “exercise” a part of their New Years’ resolutions, and most of them fall off the wagon within a month or two.
Sometimes starting, or restarting, an exercise program can be a bit stressful because you set your goals so high that, realistically, they are unattainable. But if you set daily, achievable goals to help reach your long-term personal goal, then you can succeed.
There are dozens of excuses to keep you from following a fitness plan. “Do I need to join a gym or can I workout at home?” “Is the weather nice enough for me to go outside to workout?” “I don’t have anyone to workout with, so I’ll just skip the gym today.” But don’t let any of those lame excuses keep you from achieving your fitness goals.
Last year I wrote a similar fitness-focused post and shared some great tips on how to develop a fitness plan. Here are a few more tips to think about when you are establishing a fitness plan during the Fall months.
1. Take advantage of the weather. Last summer, I loved walking on this track down by the river but it was so hot during the summer months. Now that Fall is here and the temperatures are a bit cooler, I feel like I can walk farther and longer without getting all sweaty.
2. Be an active TV watcher. I’m sure you’ve read article after article that suggests doing exercises during the commercials of a TV show. Use the edge of the couch or a chair to do push-ups or tricep dips. Do a set of squats, crunches, or leg lifts as fast as you can on commercial breaks. Or challenge yourself to do an entire workout during your favorite 30-minute comedy show.
3. Dress in layers. I usually wear between 3-4 layers when I go walking in the Fall. That way I can pull off the top layer if I get too hot or put on another layer when I get cold.
4. Find your motivation. Whether it’s an old picture of yourself or an inspiring quote, finding your motivation is key to succeeding with your fitness goals.
Every trainer I have worked out with says that regular resistance training will maximize fat loss, boost bone density, improve posture, develop muscle tone, and even slow down the aging process. They also advise that you try to be more active throughout your day. And we all know that weight loss doesn’t just happen through working out. “Weight loss begins in the kitchen.” I’m not a huge fan of “plain” water, but everyone knows that you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Also, try eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day. I keep a daily exercise and nutrition journal through the My Fitness Pal app.
Ever since my hysterectomy a couple of years ago, I have slowly gained about 20 lbs. To anyone who knows me, I may not look like I’ve gained weight, but I can feel it in my clothes. My fitness goals are simple. So simple, in fact, that right now I only have one goal: make fitness a part of my routine. To achieve this goal, I’m going to restart a program I did a couple of years ago called “21 Day Fix”. Not only does this program have a workout program, but it also has a meal program that I know I can easily follow.
And for those days that I don’t feel like watching the DVD and doing the WOD {workout of the day}, I can follow a simple workout like this one from Tone It Up.
There are also a lot of great fitness and health items on Pinterest, like this two-week challenge from The Seasoned Mom.
Whatever your fitness level or your fitness goals, don’t be discouraged if you fall off the wagon. Just get up, dust yourself off, and know that there are other people out there struggling to stay the course {like myself}. And remember… “we are more successful when we set goals to improve our health and fitness than when we set goals to simply lose weight.”
What are your fitness goals? Do you have any fitness tips to help those struggling to find just the right program or routine? What is your motivation for working out or staying healthy?
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
