Make seasonal health changes that truly benefit you and your health

by Chris Robrahn
Fitness Columnist

In my August column, I initiated a fitness conversation about the changeup to fall fitness. It was more than the typical, “its fall, change your fitness routine” that many may advocate, but rather an attempt to ask you some serious questions about what you really want to achieve as we move into the cooler months.   

The first being, “Is it important to improve your health and fitness”? (Of course, the answer is yes!)

If you don’t have the time or aren’t willing to make improvements, then you might find this column a bit boring. If you want to improve your overall health, I focused on four points:   

• Having the right attitude.
• Gaining insight and input about what you can achieve.
• Scope out what you want to achieve, plan how you are going to get there and be realistic about your goals.
• Evaluate and assess your path to those goals, including changing up your fitness program from time to time.

As I said before, those of us who take fitness seriously always talk about a lifestyle change and what a difference that can make as time passes. It doesn’t have to be something huge. Many people don’t have time for huge changes initially. Take small steps forward with a simple change.  

Fall is here, and it’s an amazing time to get outside and simply go for a walk. Enjoying the change in temperature and nature (and not just trees, but birds, animals and our world in general) can be awesome in improving your mental health as well.   

Make sure anything you add matches your goals, time requirements and lifestyle.

The days are getting shorter, even more so come November, and I’ve already had friends who make negative comments about the colder weather ahead. Unless you plan to move significantly south, we’ll have to deal with less sun.  

Use the cooler fall weather as an addition. Ask yourself, “What can I do now during the fall that I can’t do any other time of year? Do I have time now with kids in school that I didn’t have prior?    

And planning is important. What can I include in a fitness program that can keep me active as the holiday's approach?

My point of this is, make your fitness pursuits add and enhance your lifestyle. You will find it a boost to all aspects of your physical and mental health, and it will only add to a more satisfying life!

Copyright The Gayly – October 20, 2018 @ 7:25 a.m. CDT.