How to Stay Fit in Fall

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Time
Motivation
Dedication
Electrolytes
Training Sneakers

Step 1

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FALL INTO FITNESS - The autumn season is a great time to take advantage of the weather and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, jogging, rowing or any sport that you enjoy. It's not too hot or too cold to spend hours in the great outdoors, so pick a few of your favorite activities or try something new.
Step 2

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - Ever wanted to learn to tap dance or salsa? Sign up for a class, dancing is a great way to get fit and stay toned. Make it social, grab a friend or two and take Karate or fencing. For those of you who spend a lot of time in meetings, why not propose the idea of having walking or jogging meetings, you and your co-worker(s) can brainstorm or problem-solve while power-walking for 1 hr. There are endless ways to get that workout in, just get creative and get going!
Step 3

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SET A GOAL AND STICK TO IT - Set aside and dedicate a realistic amount of time to your workout goal. Try 3 days a week for an hour each day from 6-7pm, or maybe a 1/2 each day early in the morning, whatever you decide on BE CONSISTENT! Scheduling your exercise the same way you would an important meeting can help you to get into a routine and stick to it.
Step 4

WORK YOUR WAY UP - If you're accustomed to a more sedentary lifestyle, don't try to push yourself too hard or too far at first, it can be discouraging and quite possibly painful. Just remember to be realistic with your time and increase your level a little bit each day. Even if you don't physically see results right away, you should feel better with more energy and stamina, and just keep in mind what a good thing you're doing for your overall health and well-being.
Step 5

REPLENISH - Before you head off on that hiking trail or to ballet class, mix yourself a bottle of water with a good balance of electrolytes. Electrolytes which are commonly found in sports drinks are also known as the 'Tri-Salts' (Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium). Sometimes in the cooler months, we can become dehydrated without realizing it the way we might in the warmer months and loose these electrolytes through sweating, so make sure to stay well quenched to prevent tiredness and muscles cramps.

Here's a quick an easy recipe for a do it yourself sports drink:
2 quarts pure water
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice-for
1/4-1/2 tsp natural Sea Salt (provides trace minerals and makes water more easily absorbed by cells
1/2 cup natural sweetener (evaporated cane juice, maple syrup, turbinado sugar)
= Makes 8 cups
Step 6

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SAFETY AND COMFORT FIRST - In the fall it does get dark out earlier so be prepared and make sure that you always wear protective and reflective clothing and gear. Dress in layers, so that when the blood starts pumping mid-way through your workout you can peel them off and keep your body at a comfortable temperature. The proper shoes for your activity can also help prevent injury. For example, a cross-trainer is good for varied activities etc. Sunglasses are also important even during the fall months to protect from UV rays. For the ladies, be cautious of where you choose to workout, if your going to be outdoors by yourself, choose a public place or grab a workout buddy to go along with you, hey this might even be a good time to take a self defense class - a workout in itself :)
Step 7

THE FIRST MONTH IS CRUCIAL - Studies have shown that it takes the body roughly 30 days to adapt to new lifestyle changes, which is probably why most of us tend to give up on our fitness routines after about a month, but push through that barrier and by December you could be feeling and looking your best.