Transitioning Your Workout Routine From Summer To Fall
This week’s post was written by guest blogger Jim Rollince who’s fitness and nutritional goals parallel my own. He is the head of the creative writing department at gymsource.com and I want to thank him for his time.
“Now that the warmer weather is coming to an end, many people are confused about their workout routines. You might have spent your entire summer swimming laps in the pool or using treadmills in an air conditioned gym just to stay cool. With the weather changing to a cooler temperature, many exercise fanatics are finding it difficult to transition. Believe it or not, autumn is one of the best seasons to workout. There are quite a few benefits to exercising in this season and there are also a lot of different workouts that you can do to take advantage of the changing temps.
One of the major benefits about working out in the fall is that the temperatures outside are a lot more tolerable. If you enjoy running or walking but have been forced to use home gym equipment because of hot temperatures, now is your time to get out into the fresh air and enjoy your exercise in a new environment. Switching your environment when working out is essential for staying on track. People, in general, tend to get very bored rather quickly. This can be a recipe for disaster if you are trying to establish a steady and solid workout routine.
Another benefit for working out in the fall is that you will find it easier and more enjoyable to workout. Just imagine yourself taking your daily hour walk, but this time you are walking in a beautiful park that is laden with autumn leaves. The weather is cool, but you have your warm sweater on to keep you cozy. This whole scenario will make you hungry to exercise and it will make your at-home treadmill seem boring and useless. One way to really enjoy the fresh, crisp new weather is to take a gorgeous nature hike. Find a hiking trail near your home and dedicate a full day to enjoying its beauty. You will really be able to see the changes of the season when taking a hike.
Autumn really allows you to enjoy your exercise regimen more so than any other season. If the weather outside is getting a little too chilly for your liking, do not hesitate to use treadmills, ellipticals or other equipment at home. Instead of using an air conditioner, conserve energy by opening up some windows and smelling that delicious autumn air. Fall is a great time to also explore your town or city. The temperatures are just right for walking or jogging a local park or simply taking a walk down your road. Looking at all of the fall decorations and holiday decor will also help to make your workout a little more interesting.
In general, you should take advantage of the changing season and make sure to change your workout routine with it. Get some comfy and heavy workout clothes and do your exercises outside as opposed to staying cooped-up in the house. You will find that you are actually looking forward to the fall weather and not missing summer all that much.“
My Take
I think Jim makes a compelling argument for training in the fall. My experience in the fitness industry has shown that people tend to work out the hardest and most dilegentely from January to April due to New Years resolutions and preparing for beach season. My thoughts are with new seasons should come new challenges and goals. Personally, I intend to use the fall to try to put on a few pounds of healthy muscle. Setting fitness goals and tracking progress will help you to stick with a routine and ensure you don’t ruin everything you worked for in the spring and summer.
The main section of this article that resonated with me was the exercise outside portion. I have made it a weekend staple to wake up early on Saturday mornings and go for a run with a few friends on our football Saturdays. Running around campus and dodging the early tailgaters makes for great scenery and can turn a 30 minute grind into a 15 minute leisurely jog. So, my challenge to readers is find your own “Saturday morning run” that you actually enjoy and make it a routine.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions.
Kevin Deeth 