Hi all, I'm Emily Stone, a SAHM, proud wife, runner, fitness freak, health food addict, and animal lover! I also have an intense passion for writing, and luckily for me, Jessa has been great enough to let me share my writing on her wonderful blog. So today, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite fall fitness tips! If you have any questions feel free to email me!
5 Tips for Fall Fitness –
A Post from Emily Stone Let’s be honest. I have been ready for fall since June - falling leaves, crisp, clean air, and the holiday season. But as the weather changes, I try to make sure that my commitment to fitness remains unwavering. It’s easy to keep going while the climate is mild. But once it starts to get cold, the temptation to stay huddled under a blanket becomes overwhelming. Trying something new and sticking with it will inspire me to get going through spring.Get Outside
This was the hottest summer on record in many places. Now, I have this brief time in the fall where the weather is totally reasonable. I love fall outdoor exercise because the views are simply stunning, most of the time. The leaves are changing, and the landscape is awash with color. I’m not in a hurry to get my run completed before I overheat, and I’m not so cold I can’t feel my toes. I love it so much that after I’m done with my run, I’m still in the mood to pack up the kids and head to the various family-themed harvest activities organized.
Try Something New
I feel like a season change is a great opportunity to take stock of my exercise regimen. Now that the kids are in school and I’ve got their schedules under control, I want to try a new class at the gym. Fall is an ideal time, since exercise facilities often start new sessions about now. I’ve done dance-cardio classes like Zumba, and they are super fun. This year, I think I’ll go for a yoga class. I’ve done it by video at home, but I like the idea of getting to know my instructor.
Good Habits
Sometimes I try a new exercise program and it doesn’t fit me like a glove. The first time I tried a Pilates-dance combo, I couldn’t stop laughing - at myself. I was so uncoordinated. New exercises can be hard, particularly if they’re working muscle groups that we don’t normally use. If I go for something new and it falls flat, I remember the 30-day rule: it takes about a month for a behavior to become a habit. Certainly, I will have to perform an activity several times before I really feel comfortable doing it.
Go Inside
Before I know it, the weather will be too cold for me to do much outside. If I couldn’t work out at home, I’d be totally out of shape by spring. Interval training is such a good use of the indoors. With minimal equipment and not a ton of time, I can get an excellent workout that competes with the gym without ever leaving the house. I got a few dumbells and these workout bands from Beachbody for resistance, and now I’m set for most things.
Maximize Couch Time
I can also take advantage of some much-needed couch time. I rarely get control of the remote. But when I do, I’m going to try to stay caught up with a couple shows. After all, the new seasons just started. When I get to the commercials, I don’t fast-forward through them. I take that opportunity to load-up on some bodyweight exercises, such as pushups, situps, squats, planks and lunges. Fall is a wonderful time, but it can be killer to even the strongest exercise regime. I stay motivated and fit by enjoying the outdoors when I can, going inside once it gets too cold and trying new things.
