Don't Just Fall Into Fall, Do it with Intention
Updated: Oct 22, 2020
Fall is a perfect time for us mid-westerners to start a fitness routine or get involved in something to be more active in our daily lives.
Why fall? Well, usually it means the hustle and bustle of summer is tapering off and we are looking forward into the new year. Plus, the days are getting cooler so a walk on lunch without coming back soaking wet is actually possible. Even though 2020 is so so so very different than previous years with the pandemic, here are some things you can consider when making your health a new priority:
Hiking and walking are low impact and just as effective physically and mentally as running.
Try out new types of workouts. With the pandemic, almost every type of workout is online so you can try it out from the privacy of your own home. There’s yoga, tai Chi, CrossFit, Barre workouts and circuit training to name a few. You could even try to meditate so if you fall asleep during, that’s okay because you’re already home!
Savor the season with nutrient rich seasonal foods like pumpkins, apples and pecans. Pumpkin provides carotenoids (which help fight heart disease and cancer) and contains vitamins C, E and riboflavin, iron, fiber, and potassium, just to name a few. Apples are low in calories, high in fiber, have no cholesterol and give your body important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, calcium and folic acid. Pecans offer zinc, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B6. Can you see the trend?
Looking to level up your fitness over the fall month? You could invest in resistance bands or weights - they don’t take up a ton of space and give a great workout. I like to recommend a full set of bands so you can adjust the intensity of the workout easily without overthinking it and then also, consider actually getting those heavier dumbbells so you have what you need to power through those lower body workouts but then split the weight difference for your upper body workouts. Or if you already have the smaller weight, find ways to double up on the weights so you can constantly keep challenging yourself. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is when you will start seeing change and progress.