Fall is a great time to switch up your workout routine and get a jumpstart on creating good exercise habits during the upcoming holiday season.  Here’s a list of different ways you can switch up your workout and be one step ahead of the New Year’s resolution crowd at the gym in January:

1. Try something new.  Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to realign your motivation and trying a new workout or routine can be the best way to hit the reset button.  Start practicing yoga, attend a boot camp class, or give that cross fit gym that you’ve been thinking of trying a shot.  A lot of classes at gyms and elsewhere start in the fall, so look around and see if something interests you.
2. Stay motivated.  With the days getting shorter, it’s easy to stay in and give your couch and TV more of your time.  But, don’t let binge-watching your favorite shows stop you from keeping your eye on the prize!  Set goals for yourself and help to keep the commitment by writing your workouts on a calendar and planning them just like you’d plan meetings at work, school functions or getting the kids to practice.
3. Partner up.  Pair up with a spouse, family member, roommate or coworker to reinforce your motivation.  Having a workout buddy has plenty of benefits like keeping your workout fun and helping to bring variety so both of you don’t get bored.  This is also a great way to stay focused on your goals and keep that motivation up.  Most importantly, you and workout buddy can share your accomplishments to maintain your focus.
4. Get active at the office.  Sitting for long periods of time at the office can take its toll on your body.  Think of your work setting and try to come up with creative ways to move around more.  Choose taking the stairs instead of the elevator, take a walk with coworkers during lunch, or switching your chair for an exercise ball are all great ways to help stay fit and even have a positive effect on productivity.  Also, buy yourself a water bottle and make it a point to fill it up several times a day which will give you more energy and hydrated for that exercise session after work.
5. Track your progress.  If carrying an actual log and writing everything down time seems too time consuming for your busy schedule, then fitness apps are the way to go about tracking your diet and workouts.  There are some great apps out there like MyPlate which is a food and calorie tracker and also CardioTrainer which lets you choose your workout function (walking, running, spinning, weight lifting, etc.) and counts calories burned.  Pick up your smart phone and search for apps that will help you maintain your fall fitness program!

 
Remember to keep your focus by setting goals and using these different ways to help you switch things and motivate a new workout routine for the fall!

Fall has finally arrived and it’s time bust out your scarves and light sweaters, shop for Halloween costumes, and carve pumpkins! Here is a list of 10 family fun activities to do during this season.

1.Bake fall treats. Whether you have a traditional family recipe or you found something on the internet, have a baking session with your kids. Make Halloween inspired cupcakes with candy corn, a pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread.

2.Decorate your front porch. You and your family can let your neighborhood know how excited you all are for the season with pumpkins and friendly scarecrows.

3.Take a drive. As leaves change color this season, take a drive to adventure through roads lined with trees, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

4.Carve pumpkins. Find a pumpkin patch garden and explore ways to carve fun pumpkin faces with your family.

5.Toast pumpkin seeds. Be sure to save the seeds while carving your pumpkin! Drizzle oil and salt, and bake them in the oven for the perfect fall snack.

6.Get lost in a corn maze. Put your brains together and find your way out of the maze.

7.Make Halloween costumes. Find a fun do-it-yourself costume for the family to enjoy making and wearing this Halloween.

8.Take your family holiday card photo. Fall is a perfect time to look your best with warm colors. On a warm and sunny afternoon venture out to take your family photo.

9.Make a scarecrow. As you dig through your fall decorations, have your family decorate a scarecrow to place in the backyard.
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10.Remember to give thanks. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but it’s never too early to be mindful of all of your blessings.
 
Have fun this fall season! Feel free to share your photos of all your creations and activities!