Disclosure: My 4 Fitness Alternatives for Fall post was sponsored by Target® C9 through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Target® C9, all opinions are my own.
Fall is my favorite. It always has been, and it always will be.
I crave the cooler days and cozier moments.
Enjoying these last few days of summer and heading towards fall reminds me of change. I recently stumbled across an article in Experience Life written by Bahram Akradi called, “Change Artist.” The article is about, you guessed it –> change.
I am an advocate for change. I’ve been saying, “nothing changes if nothing changes” far before it was ever popular. But in the article, Bahram says something so spot on that I immediately had to share it with friends and family and now you….
And this, of course, reminds me of current life circumstances and of all the reasons why I love this fall so much.
Alternatives (to the past year or so) are serving me better.
4 Fitness Alternatives for Fall
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Prior to this fall: We live in an extremely hot and dry place in California. I used to love it, but the older I get, the less I enjoy it. Consequently, I don’t spend much time doing outdoor workouts from June through August.
Current alternative: Now that fall is upon us, I will take Samarah out for even more walks. I have also started jogging with her, which she loves (ahhh….the thrill of moving faster!)
Prior to this fall: One thing I learned during my cardio hiatus is that, even though I love it, long-distance running and long cardio sessions, in general, must still be put on the back burner. They did nothing for my gut healing, nor did they help the injuries my body has accrued over time.
Current alternative: I also learned that I missed cardio, mostly running. And because fall allows me to train outside once again, I’ve taken up sprints and challenged myself to get faster and stronger in 20-ish minutes or less. I recently did a track workout that consisted of:
- 10 minute warm up
- 8 sprints
- 5 minute cool down
I was sore for 4 days after, confirming that this alternative is definitely going to serve me better.
The takeaway for you: This fall, take a form of cardio you’ve always done and mix it up. You never know how it might impact your fitness routines or overall well-being.
Prior to this fall: I spent several months healing injuries (not fun, by the way) while learning new ways of training to work with vs. against my body. I kept most exercises lower weight within a 10-12 rep range.
Current alternative: I had to stop doing lifts like squats and deadlifts, but most things I can do. A couple years ago I focused on getting stronger. It seems like it has been forever since that was my focus, but I am so excited to be doing just that now. I started with Nia Shank’s 12 Week Dumbbell and Bodyweight Program, and when I found my passion in the weight room again just kept going. And I’m starting to see muscle again – finally!
And yes, I have a million Target® C9 sports bras. The racer back sports bras are by far my favorite.
The takeaway for you: Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you can’t have goals heading into the end of the year. If there is something you want to do in the gym, work for it, little-by-little and day-by-day. (Side note: and learn how to work with vs. against your body 🙂 )
And finally, “fitness” isn’t just about planned events. It’s also about the day-to-day in living and moving. We stay active all fall season by making it a priority to be at the Farmers’ Market each Saturday, and by traveling as a family as often as possible which has us out and about, exploring and enjoying life.
Let this fall lead you to a change for your own (better) alternatives. You might be surprised with the outcome.
Xox,
SKH
