How to Adjust Your Fitness Goals for Fall and Winter

Now that fall has arrived it’s time to make some adjustments to your fitness routine. You’ve already discovered why fall is the best time to begin working out again, now you need to adjust your fitness goals as we enter fall and near the winter months. 

For example, if you live in an area where the fall brings crisp, cool weather, and early sunsets, you may not be so keen on running outdoors after work. Instead, you may need to take up running in the morning or consider moving your workout indoors.  It will take a little bit of an effort on your part to realign your fitness routine to your fitness goals during the cooler months, but that’s no reason to let your fitness goals fall apart during the colder times of the year.  

Remind Yourself of Why You Work Out

It’s easy to become discouraged about working out, especially when the conditions of your normal workout change. If you find yourself dragging at the gym, or feeling uninspired to get up and move, you should remind yourself of why you began working out, to begin with. Perhaps you wanted to lose weight, or maybe you wanted to get healthier? Whatever the reason is behind working out, keep that at the forefront of your mind. When your “why” is in front of you, you’ll be more motivated to step the necessary steps to adjust your routine. 

Get Inspired

It’s easy to see your progress during the summer since people tend to spend more time in bathing suits, shorts, tank tops and other clothing that allows you to more easily see if you’ve lost weight, or gained muscle. During the fall and winter months, your body gets hidden beneath baggy clothing, thick sweaters and not a single bathing suit in sight. This is why taking measurements of your body so you can track weight loss and muscle gain more accurately, you’ll be able to keep yourself on track and remain motivated. 

Incorporate Cold Weather Activities 

The summer is for running, beach volleyball, outdoor sports, and swimming – but unfortunately for most people, these activities are not possible to do during the fall or winter. However, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to indoor workouts! With the proper gear running and cycling can be done throughout the fall, plus you can also add in activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding – all of which are great ways to burn calories.

Another great option to keep up with your fitness goals during the winter and fall is to start building up a quality home gym. Having a gym in your home will afford you with consistency so you’re less likely to alter your routine regardless of the season. We have all the gear you need to hit your goals plus we have amazing home gym packages for every budget!

Create a Fall Fitness Routine You’ll Stick With

Regardless of whether you decide to pursue working out outdoors, or at home in your new home gym, it’s important that you find something you know you’ll stick with. If you know you would prefer not to go outside in the cold weather unless you have to, then it’s better for you to ensure you have the proper equipment to get in a total body workout at home. However, if you prefer to run outdoors then make sure you have the right equipment and clothing that will allow you to continue to do so. 

It’s also important to be realistic about when you will work out. Since the sun goes down earlier in the fall it may not be feasible to workout after work anymore which means you will need to wake up earlier in the mornings. You should also be realistic about the holidays and travel needs taking this into consideration and factoring this into both your goals and your routine. 

Find An Accountability Partner

This is a great idea at any time of the year, but especially helpful in the cold weather when you may feel less inclined to workout. Finding a friend to start a new fitness routine will make you more likely to stick with it because now someone else is counting on you. If you’re able to physically meet up to workout together, this is ideal, however, if this is not possible you can simply arrange times to check in with each other and ensure you are both achieving your fitness goals. 

Make Good Food Choices 

Just like summer, the fall and winter come with their own challenges when it comes to food. Between candy around Halloween, Thanksgiving turkey and pies, and tons of food and sweets during December for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years there is ample opportunity to fall off the wagon. Instead of denying yourself treats and delicious food on these special occasions be sure to make good food choices the rest of the season so you can indulge a little during the actual holidays. 

For help purchasing a home gym or any other fitness equipment contact us today by calling (844) 442-7232 or emailing us at [email protected].