The days are growing shorter. There’s a nip in the air. You want to cuddle on the couch with a book or movie and a warm mug of cider. But before you grow too smitten with the changing of the season, don’t forget that it’s not all perfect. As you try to keep up your healthy active lifestyle, autumn has other plans in mind. Less light and colder temps now stand in your way. With multiple hurdles placed along your path toward progress, you need to be ready to leap. We’ve got just the tips to keep the spring in your step so that you don’t fall on your face this fall.
Lights Out: Your sleeping and waking routine is regulated by light, and with shorter days, you’re likely to find yourself wanting to snuggle under covers for longer. Part of the reason is the season is ripe with ambiance, making for perfect sleeping conditions. The other part has to do with melatonin, a hormone in the body produced by your body’s natural alarm clock, the pineal gland. Light affects melatonin, and with less light comes the want for more sleep. But just because the want is there, doesn’t mean your body necessarily needs more sleeps. When the days grow dark, try:
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Light Therapy: Used to help Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is caused by lack of sunlight and can lead to depression, light therapy provides artificial sunlight through lamps to help your body stay on track.
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No Snooze Button: If you’re used to getting up every morning at 6am to exercise, keep it up and continue the habit. The darkness may be difficult to adjust to at first, but give it time and it won’t feel as shocking the more you stick with it.
Mirror, Mirror: The colder it gets, the more clothing that goes on. And the more clothing that goes on, the less you’re able to see your body take shape. You may not be able to shed layers when you’re out in the elements, but when you’re in the warmth of your home, don’t forget to take a peek at yourself sans apparel from time to time. A brief bit in the buff will keep your body image top of mind so that it won’t be comes as a shock next spring.
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Plan a Vacation: If you know a January trip to Jamaica is awaiting you, you’re less likely to pack on the pounds just because you can hide them under heavy clothing until things start to thaw. The idea of an early swimsuit season may be just the mental image you need.
[adrotate banner=”26″] Safety First: Shorter days means less sunlight for outdoor exercising. If you prefer to run on trail versus a treadmill, or bike with the sunrise versus in a spin class, darkness is going to be your biggest opponent.
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Be Bright: Wear reflective clothing, headlamps, or anything that will catch the attention of early morning and late day commuters. They’re not expecting you to be there, so send out some warning signals.
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Strength in Numbers: Find friends to workout with so that you never have to be alone in the dark in case a creep comes along. Move friends who know how to kick some ass to the top of the buddy list (kidding…sort of).
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Midday: If you only own black clothing and have no friends, try to squeeze in some exercise during lunch when sunlight is on your side.
Brrr: Cold weather can make the most determined athletes pack up the gear, but cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of exercise.
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Dress for Success: Layers will be the key to keeping you comfortable when working out outside. Use your layers to help heat up your body for the warm-up phase of your workout. As your body temp rises, shed layers you don’t need, but keep them on hand for your cool down. Don’t forget to invest in good socks and gloves, as your fingers and toes have a harder time holding onto heat.
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Keep Drinking: Hydration is still key even when it’s not hot outside. The air is a lot drier in winter, so thirst still comes into play. Avoid drinking ice cold beverages when exercising outdoors; go for lukewarm instead.
Autumn and all its sweater-weather, pumpkin-picking, and leaf-changing wonder may be here, but that doesn’t mean you have to get so swept away with the season that you fall off track. Keep your routine, watch you figure, be safe, and stay warm, and you’ll find you can still have your apple pie and eat it, too. Tell us how you stay fit in the fall.
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Source:
Web MD
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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