As we head into the chill, crisp air of the fall, it can be disheartening to think about how your healthy lifestyle habits need to change as it starts getting colder outside. There’s nothing like taking a nice walk after dinner during those perfect spring and summer nights or enjoying a long hike in the idyllic sunshine of summer. But, health is wealth, so maintaining your physical fitness during the fall and winter months is essential.
Stay in shape boosts your immune system for the colder months – but also known as cold and flu season, it also helps your mental health because when you physically feel good, your mood and emotions are more balanced. So, let’s take a look at the same ways that we can maintain our fitness even though we won’t be able to get outside the way we’d like to.
Let’s Get Digital, Digital
When it’s snowing outside or raining a lot (depending on where you live, you could be impacted by hurricane season in the fall), it’s essential to have ways to work out indoors that you enjoy. So, get digital with it! There are so many apps available for subscription purchase or for free that can not only help keep you fit but motivate you to keep going every day. The great thing about these apps is they provide motivation, instruction, and accountability. A lot of them even ask you to discuss your goals and log progress with them. The sky’s the end when it comes to what you want to get out of the app. So find one that works for you and get moving!
Another option if you’re not interested in downloading an app is free sites like YouTube. No matter where you are on the fitness spectrum, there are tutorials to help you stay in shape in whatever medium of exercise you find most enjoyable and effective. If you’re used to performing yoga in the park during the summer, consider subscribing to a YouTube yoga instructor whose teaching style resonates with you. You get the idea.
Join A Gym Or Studio
Depending on your budgetary restrictions, it could be worth it to join a gym to maintain overall fitness or a studio that focuses on more specific exercise styles – like yoga, barre, or pilates. The benefit to joining a gym or studio is that you’ll get more in-person attention and instruction, which some people need and can’t get off of a digital platform. Another benefit to joining a gym or studio is the community, which provides many people’s accountability to keep up with workouts.
Gyms also offer types of exercise that you may not be able to get in an at-home environment. Many people may struggle with a high-intensity variety workout at home, but if they had an instructor in a gym, it could be the most rewarding type of exercise. If you do go high-intensity, make sure you’re protecting yourself post-workout and with things like CBD muscle recovery balm, hydrating a lot, and working at your own pace to avoid injury. Again, instructors at a gym could help prevent this versus you on your own at home.
Embrace The Weather
Another easy option for maintaining your spring and summer fitness levels is entirely embracing the cooler weather! The cold air can be refreshing in many ways, especially if your preferred workout mode is running, walking, or hiking. Not only do you have the benefit of remaining outside, getting that ever-important fresh air, but you also get to take in the beauty of the changing foliage and scenery as the seasons change. So, if you think you can bear the cold on your own, embrace the weather! A benefit of doing this is not spending money on gym memberships or at-home workout equipment that pads your pockets for all of the holiday expenses accompanying the cold weather and winter season!
Find The Joy
With all things in life, it’s crucial to find joy. The easiest way to stick to your workout routines and stay in shape during these colder months is to make sure you’re picking a style of exercise that you enjoy. That way, it’s something that you’ll want to commit to and stick with. Don’t force yourself into cardio five times a week if that’s not a good fit for you; maybe you’re more into strength training, or perhaps simple yoga and meditation are what works for you. What’s essential is keeping your body and mind optimized. Here’s to your health!