Fall is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to commit to your fitness goals. Forget New Year’s resolutions—changing your habits at the start of a new season makes a lot more sense. Here are five fun ways to take advantage of fall and adopt healthy habits that will stick with you through the winter months ahead.
1. Take full advantage of fall produce.
Pumpkins are the most idyllic fall decoration, but they are also super nutritious. These low-carb vegetables (technically a fruit) are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Instead of throwing away the guts of your next jack-o’-lantern, make a pumpkin puree that is perfect for soups, chilis, breads and so much more. You can also substitute pumpkin in any recipe that calls for squash to increase the depth of flavor.
2. Burn calories on a picturesque hike.
Fall is the perfect time to go hiking. The weather is comfortable, the leaves are changing, the bugs are gone and the views are waiting. Hiking uphill is also a killer workout, building muscle strength and aerobic endurance at the same time. Climbing hills raises our heart rate to burn more calories while engaging our core, glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves and even small muscles in the feet. Exploring new terrain is beneficial for the body and the mind—it keeps us present in the moment and makes exercise fun.
3. Stay motivated by signing up for a themed race.
Fall is packed with races for runners (and enthusiastic walkers!) of all fitness levels. From Halloween runs where costumes are encouraged, to turkey trots at Thanksgiving, to longer races for more experienced runners, there is something for everyone. Committing to a race in advance can be an excellent motivator. Knowing you have something to train for, no matter how long or short the race may be, makes it easier to stick with your fitness goals. Sign up with a buddy for extra accountability (and even more fun).
4. Find your rhythm and establish new routines.
With the lazy days of summer behind us, our schedules suddenly become more demanding in the fall. That’s why fall is the best time to develop healthy routines to manage the increased workload. Forming healthy habits now will also keep your immune system strong through the winter months. As the days get shorter, it’s important to prioritize getting enough sleep and exercise each day. For better sleep, get outside first thing in the morning for at least 30 minutes. At night, avoid bright lights in the two hours before bedtime.
5. Let the changing season be a reminder to try something new.
No matter how old you are, there is a certain “back to school” energy in the air when fall hits that signals new beginnings. Embrace those feelings of readiness to learn and try something new. With a fitness benefit like Zeamo, you gain access to thousands of on-demand workouts and a nationwide network of gyms—so there’s always something new to try.
Nominate your company to sign up for Zeamo and get six months of free on-demand premium subscription workouts when your employer adds Zeamo to your company’s wellness program. Nominations are totally anonymous, so why not?
