Now is the time to plan for a fit fall season – make your fall workout plan now!
It’s fall, yall! It’s football, bbq, jambalaya and stew season! Sweater weather! We are so close to chillier weather, I can almost feel it! Almost, lol.
But seriously, we are getting back into the routine of school, fall work, and the upcoming 4th quarter. It’s a whirlwind for sure, especially if you have kids in fall sports and activities. It’s not getting quieter though, so it is time to make yourself a fall fitness plan.
If you are able to get on a plan now, do regular workouts and training, and plan around the holiday disruptions, you’ll be able to keep that moment for a healthy and fun fall, and then holiday season.
Here are 5 ways to set yourself up for workout success through the fall season and the busy holiday season.
1. Get Some Momentum Now!
Start stacking wins now! Get on a schedule and maintain it. Make this promise to yourself and keep it. Like I said, I know not many people are sitting around with tons of extra time during the fall season, but if you are able to schedule in at least 2-3 training sessions a week, do that now.
Use the structure you have in place around family schedules and obligations to cement in a couple workouts, and commit to your training.
Set yourself up for success, so that you have a schedule in place for when the holidays get busy.
2. Get On a Workout Plan
This is one of the easiest ways to keep your training in place. Get on a plan that fits your schedule and goals so that you do not have to think about it when it comes time to train. Sometimes that little bit of extra brain power required is what can make the workout feel daunting. When you are tired and worn out, the last thing you want to think about is what to do. That is why, if you already have plan to follow, you just have to do it.
If you need help getting on a plan, here are ones I have written. Currently, there is The Home Team, which is made to do all your training from home with minimal equipment. The Garage Squad is FUN – we use barbells and lift 3 times a week. Square 1 walks you through your first day in the gym and teaches you how to lift safely and successfully. \Any Gym USA allows you to walk into any basic gym and get a good session. Don’t be tripped up by fancy equipment or specialty equipment – this is good, meat and potatoes training you can do anywhere.
Finally, The Works Strength & Conditioning is a plan that includes gym sessions, home sessions, cardio, and abs, core and stretching. Don’t sleep on this one!
3. Identify Barriers
I like to remind myself when I am looking at a challenge that somebody somewhere has been through a challenge like mine successfully. There IS a way!
The biggest barriers are time constraints, lack of energy/desire, and not having a plan. I addressed having a plan in the section above. This takes a few minutes of prep, but there are many great plans to pick from. Don’t over think it; pick one and commit.
As far as time constraints, I know this is real. If you even have to do quick home sessions that are equipment free, you can do that! If you have kids playing soccer and can walk laps around the field, do it! Throw in a few lunges next week. Maybe pushups on a park bench.
If you have 15 minutes at night, do 5 sets of 10 squats, and 5 sets of bear crawls. Full body session done!
Get creative here; nobody knows your schedule better than you. Think of every way you can fit in exercise, and then pick your plan.
If you are lacking motivation, take some time to reflect on your reason why. This is deeper than a quick hit of “Just do it!” style motivation. Really think deeply about why exercise matters to you. I’ll bet that you do have physique goals, which are completely valid.
I bet you have health goals as well, and people who love you and want you to be around for a long time. Think about the example you’d like to set for your children, and the foundation you’d like to lay for healthy golden years. Write these down! Revisit this when you need a reminder.
4. Look Ahead
Look ahead to vacations, family trips and prior commitments. Like you just did with your schedule, think through what you can do to make your training work. Can you visit travel gyms on the road, or will you do maintenance workouts? That totally works too!
Pack resistance bands or plan bodyweight workouts that you can do at the in-laws. If you’re taking a beach trip, walk through the sand after you eat each night. It will be great for digestion, and a beautiful departure from normal evenings.
Finally, when you are on vacation, remember that it is OK to take time off. Sometimes during the holidays, you can’t do it all. Training is supposed to help you life a better life, and you have to go live life! Take your time off, enjoy, and then have a planned date that you get back on your routine.
5. Contact Me
Finally, contact me! I’ve been a trainer for 19 years, y’all! I have been through a lot of season changes, and so have my clients. I am grateful that they have shared with me how they have trained through challenge, health issues, holidays, family commitments and time constraints. There IS a way!
I can help you find a plan, make a plan, and execute.
I’d love to see your success story of how you make deliberate healthy choices now and thrived through the holiday season!
By setting clear goals, planning ahead, and staying flexible, you can maintain your workout routine throughout the holiday season and start the new year on a strong note!
Work With Me!
If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.
Message me here for a free consult about personal training in Austin, Texas, or here for online personal training, and we’ll discuss your goals, background, equipment availability, schedule, and exercise preferences.
Let’s get you strong and healthy! 💪
About the author
Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.
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