Fall into Fitness: The Tips You Need to Stay Motivated This Season

As the weather cools down, workouts tend to become less frequent because leaving the house doesn’t exactly sound pleasant. Between the cold winds and unpredictable rainstorms, the summer days spent splashing in the pool and jogging at 9 p.m. seem so far gone—but the workouts don’t have to end just because summer has. So pile on the sweaters, set aside some time, and get ready to work it out with these fall fitness tips.

Take it outside

Cooler temperatures aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Trail runs and long hikes on the Tahoe Rim Trail are much more pleasant without the scorching heat of summertime, meaning you can get a better workout with less of the discomfort. And let’s be honest: The fall temperatures haven’t fully set in throughout California yet—and the moderate 70- and 80-degree temps feel more motivational than anything. 

Take advantage of the sunlight

As fall continues and we get closer to Daylight Saving Time, the days seem noticeably shorter and the opportunities to soak in some vitamin D appear all too sparse. And though you may have enjoyed going for a nice jog around the neighborhood when the daytime seemed endless, headlamps and reflective gear don’t sound quite as appealing as the shorts and tank top you got used to. To find a happy medium, try adjusting your schedule and finding time for fall workouts during your lunch hour or during the late morning on the weekends. 

Work out at home

With ever-changing temperatures and faulty weather predictions, working out outside isn’t always practical. But that doesn’t mean fall fitness should get moved to the backburner; now’s the time to stock up on free weights—or a couple of water jugs—and other at-home exercise equipment that will improve your fitness routine without you having to go to the gym. 

Enjoy the scenery

When you do decide to go outside for your workouts, take some time to appreciate the fall foliage. While it might not be the wildflowers and lush rolling hills you see in the summer, the autumnal landscape has plenty to admire, too. Whether you are planning a nature walk or a bike ride, you might as well go somewhere beautiful if you are making the commitment to get outside. 

Buy a bike

Speaking of bike rides, fall is the perfect time to make them happen. New bike models are in production and stores are ready to rid their inventory of older models between October and April, meaning prices are typically lower for last year’s styles. In addition to being a great form of exercise, bike rides provide an opportunity to decrease your carbon footprint for short trips (and save you some gas money—score!).

Join a class

There is no better way to maintain accountability than by joining a fitness class where other people expect you to show up. It can be so easy to skip a day or two of working out at home or on your own at the gym, but it’s much more difficult to flake out in a group environment. So, if you didn’t get to try some of the summer’s hottest fitness classes, now’s your chance. 

How are you falling into fitness this year? Let us know your best fall fitness ideas so we can all tackle that holiday weight before summer’s upon us again.