The long hot summer may already seem but a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up on your efforts to keep fit and healthy. Whilst it might seem tempting to cover up in a big, cosy jumper and swap evenings at the gym for movie and pizza nights at home, letting your good habits go over autumn and winter is a huge source of regret for many come the following spring. And, with shorter evenings and darker mornings meaning winter is a time when many of us suffer the blues, there’s no more important time to keep those endorphins flowing.
If you’re starting to lose your motivation, then there are plenty of simple things you can do to get it back. Try these tips and you’ll be raring to go as we head into autumn.
Invest in some new activewear
As if you needed another excuse for doing some shopping, getting yourself some new fitness attire for the season ahead can be a great way to reignite your enthusiasm for working out. The thought of putting on a sophisticated and comfortable outfit when it’s time for your next session is far more appealing than pulling on the same old stuff. And be sure to start from the bottom up – invest in a well-fitting sports bra, and the rest will take care of itself. Head over to Knix to make sure yours is the right size.
Download a fitness app
If you’re usually an outdoor runner, the prospect of continuing your routine in bad weather can be pretty off-putting – but rather than waiting to slowly slip off the wagon, it pays to make a contingency plan. Invest in some simple kit you can use at home, such as kettlebells, resistance bands and a yoga mat – and download an exercise app to keep your workouts interesting. There are some great apps available these days, many of which will hold you accountable by connecting you with communities of other people who are following the same plan. And don’t forget to check out any related hashtags on Instagram for some additional inspiration and to see how others are getting on.
Try working out with friends
If morning exercise just isn’t your thing, try enlisting a friend or colleague for a gym class after work. Studies show that exercising in a group and making a social occasion of workouts increases adherence rates – not only does it make the whole thing more fun, but it also ensures you are held accountable, as you’re less likely to cancel if it means letting someone down.
Integrate activity into your day
Don’t have time for the gym? Many would say, make time. But if that seems impossible, then there are plenty of ways that you can ensure you continue to lead an active lifestyle, just by making cleverer choices as you go about your day. Try walking over to chat with colleagues at work instead of emailing, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or going for a brisk walk on your lunch break. It might not seem like much, but every little helps – and the more you keep moving, the more you’ll feel like doing so, so it’s important not to stop as we head into autumn.
It might not be the most appealing time of year to get moving, but it pays to bear in mind the raft of benefits you stand to reap if you can keep things moving throughout the year. Better health increased energy and an improvement in mood are all worth the effort – not to mention being one step ahead of everyone else in January when the annual mad rush for the gym ensues.
