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Start planning seasonal changes to your exercise routine now
There are plenty of nice weather days still left for you to continue your summertime fitness routine. But a change in season is coming, and now is a good time to start thinking about needed changes in your exercise program. Here are a few ideas to keep you on the fitness track as summer turns to fall.
If you enjoy exercising outdoors, adjust your workout times to later in the morning or earlier in the evening so you can exercise in daylight hours and optimal temperatures. If work or other commitments don’t allow for late morning or late afternoon workouts, consider lunchtime workouts and adjust your schedule accordingly.
If you can’t adjust your outdoor workout time, then make changes in your workout wear and safety gear. Have sturdy footwear and be sure to wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Wear layers of light-weight clothing as well as gloves and protective headgear. And always be alert to traffic and assume drivers do not see you.
Make a plan for exercise when the weather keeps you from heading outdoors. Know where you will go and what you will do on those rainy days.
Sign up for a new fitness class at one of the local health clubs or at Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center. Check out what’s happening at Parks and Rec or look into joining a running or cycling group. Try something new to freshen up your mental and physical program.
Get a fitness friend and recommit to your workouts together. It will be easier to motivate yourself when you have someone else counting on you to show up.
As I write this article, I am trying to hold onto the remaining bits of summertime fun. But I’m also looking forward to September. I’m getting my kids ready to go back to school and I’m signing them up for after-school activities. I’m starting to figure out the family schedule and what our daily routine is going to be.
And with all that, I’m figuring out my own fall work and workout schedule. Keeping exercise first on the priority list makes everything else on the list go better.
If your schedule, like mine, is going to get busier as we head into fall, take a little time right now to plan for fall season workouts. Motivation is often closely tied to weather and daylight. As the temperatures cool and the days grow shorter, have an exercise plan for nice days and for not-so-nice days.
Transition periods can be challenging, but change is good. With some planning and organization you can smoothly transition from summer workouts to fall workouts and keep your motivation strong.
Julie Hodges graduated from Cornell University and has a master’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in sport psychology from the University of Maryland. She is a former competitive gymnast and is ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor® certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. Julie and her family live in Anacortes. E-mail her with comments and questions at .
