Texoma Living Well Magazine November/December 2018 | Page 47

FALL INTO A
FITNESS ROUTINE
F
all is notorious for comfort foods like pump-
kin spice lattes and game day nachos. Com-
bine these tempting seasonal staples with
darker, shorter days and it can be hard to
maintain an active mindset. Despite the en-
ticement to indulge, you can keep your active life-
style going or even kick off a new fitness regime.
Take advantage of the winds of change
when the seasons switch and commit
to smart habits for a healthy fall.
Dress for success. As the tempera-
tures drop, you may be tempted to
bundle up before heading outdoors
to exercise, and for your warm-up
and cool-down period, that’s not a
bad idea. However, while you’re in
the midst of your workout, it’s easy
to get overheated. Wear layers that
you can shed as you begin to sweat
and consider moisture-wicking mate-
rials that can prevent sweaty clothes
from getting cold in the breeze.
Stay hydrated. You may not feel
as thirsty when you exercise in cool-
er weather, but it’s just as important to
keep your body well hydrated. When
you sweat, you lose more than just
water. An option like Propel Electro-
lyte Water helps you replace what’s
lost in sweat through its key electro-
lyte – sodium – and supports hydra-
tion by stimulating thirst and aiding in
fluid balance. With the same level of
electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calo-
ries and no sugar, it can be a perfect
choice to support your active lifestyle.
Learn more at propelwater.com.
Opt for early workouts. When
dark comes early, it can trick your
mind into thinking it’s time to wind
down for the night. Avoid that motiva-
tion pitfall by planning your workout
earlier in the day, such as first thing
in the morning or during your lunch
break. If early mornings are daunt-
ing, remember that it won’t take long
to shift your sleep schedule and early
exercise is a caffeine-free way to put
some energy into your day.
Find exercises you enjoy. Forc-
ing yourself through exercises you
despise will only backfire in the long
run. If you’re not a runner, look for
other ways to get your cardio pump-
ing. Interval walking with varied pac-
es and elevation can be an effective
alternative or look at ideas like kick-
boxing or aerobics that you can have
fun with while working up a sweat.
Indulge in moderation. Virtually
every expert agrees that an occasion-
al indulgence is perfectly acceptable,
but use caution when the fall goodies
start tempting. Those warm, rich des-
serts and drinks are filled with empty
calories that can make all your hard
work go to waste.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Set realistic goals. Having a long-
term goal is a good idea, but be sure
to set attainable expectations for your-
self, including some milestones you can
celebrate along the way to keep your
motivation strong. Be realistic about
how much time you can dedicate to
fitness with your other life demands so
you can set your goals accordingly.
Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun
may not be as hot, but if you’re exer-
cising outdoors, you’re still at risk for
sunburn. Protect any exposed skin with
sunscreen before working out.
TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
45