How to Stay Fit Once Autumn Arrives

Ah, summer, it was so good while it lasted. While we’ve still got some time left to go, it’s possible that the summer dream as we know it may have left us for (hopefully only) another year. It’s bad news for all those general summer lovers out there, but particularly hard hitting for the fitness buffs. It’s fun getting your exercise fill when the sun is shining, but when there’s a chill in the air? Then it becomes all the more tempting to catch up on all the movies and TV series that summer prevented us from enjoying. But if you’re a fitness fanatic, then you know that the exercise regime must carry on, lest next spring arrives and you’re well out of shape. To prevent this from happening, we’ve put together some useful tips on how you stay in shape – or even get in shape, to begin with – once autumn and winter is with us.

Get Running

Every committed runner knows that you can’t just put the running shoes away once the cold weather has arrived. If you only went running when the weather was fine, then you wouldn’t be running too often, especially in the UK! But yes, we know that it’s not always an attractive proposition. So here’s what you need to do. For starters, dress properly, Don’t force yourself into the chill in shorts and a t-shirt; get the right gear, clothing that regulates your temperature. Second, get warmed up inside of your home. You don’t want to start your jog from a cold position at any time, but especially when it’s cold outside. And third…just do it. You can think and think about running when it’s not perfect conditions outside, and eventually, you’ll convince you that it’s not the right day for it. If you’re outside before you’ve even weighed up the pros and cons, you won’t look back.

The Commute

Most people understandably get a down when the nights draw in, especially during their commute. They’re sitting in a car, in the dark, surrounded by other vehicles. It’s pretty depressing. So why do that at all? Instead, you can buy a bike, a reflective jacket, and use your commute as a way to stay fit. It’ll make the journey to and from work not only beneficial to your health, but all-around more enjoyable, too.

Join the Gym

We don’t know exactly what the weather is going to be like this autumn, but it’s safe to save that there will be days when it’s just not possible to head into the outdoors to get your fix of exercise. At those points, you’ll be thankful that someone had the vision to invent gyms. They’re not everyone’s favourite method of staying fit, but they can serve a purpose when nothing else is available. If you’re a bit clueless in the gym, then consider working with a personal trainer a couple of times. They’ll get you doing the things you need to do, using the correct techniques.

Eating Well

It’s all too tempting to wave goodbye to the diet when there’s a chill in the air, but keep in mind that one too many takeout meals will undo much of the good work you’ve done to stay in shape. Luckily, autumn is for spending time in the kitchen. It’ll help you to get your intakes of the nutrients and minerals you need to be trim, and – bonus – will also keep your home warm. When it comes to healthy cold weather foods, can you really beat soup? It’s oh so simple to make, you can make it in a million and one ways, it’s healthy and delicious. Check out some of the best recipes, and get yourself into the kitchen.

Into Nature

Some people think that it’s the only summer that’s fit for getting into the beautiful UK outdoor areas. But boy is this wrong! Autumn is arguably even better. It might be a little wetter and colder, sure, but you’ll be able to stay warm with the help of a GASP Hoodie. And in any case, what it lacks in weather comfort it more than makes up for in pure adventure – and, of course, you’ll be using your body. A good hike can burn hundreds of calories in just one hour! And aside from the fitness benefits, it’s worth remembering that there’s nothing better than wrapping up warm and dry, putting on those walking boots, and spending some time adventuring with the family through the UK woodlands.

Have a Goal

There are plenty of people who let their fitness ambitions fall by the wayside during the autumn and winter months. It’s because it’s all too easy to stay indoors and watch television and read books, really! While it’s OK that you’re not doing as much as normal (more on that below), you should be wary of doing nothing at all. One of the best ways to do this is to set goals for yourself. If you set a realistic target, you’ll have something to work towards. It might just be the additional amount of motivation you need to get up off the sofa.

Work Out at Home

You won’t be able to do all of your exercises at home, but you can do some of them. If you have a resistance band, you’ll be able to keep your arm and leg muscles toned. You can also look at yoga and stretching channels on YouTube, which will keep you light and fit while you’re waiting for the good weather to return.

But Also…Sink into Chill Mode

While it’s important that you stay in shape, you don’t have to do quite as much as you do during spring and summer. After all, there’s less of an incentive to have a chiselled beach body when there’s no-one to show it off too. Use this time to stay in shape AND relax. It’ll mean you’ll have all the more energy to up your fitness game when it comes to springtime.

Thanks for reading.

Dave