As the amount of daylight grows shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us find our summer exercise routines in a state of transition. The long, sunny evenings that made outdoor runs or after-dinner walks so appealing are replaced by earlier sunsets and cooler temperatures. However, autumn doesn’t have to signal a slowdown in your fitness journey—in fact, it’s an ideal time to refresh your routine, set new goals, and embrace seasonal changes.
Here’s how you can smoothly transition your exercise routine from summer to fall while staying active and motivated, and discovering new ways to enjoy movement.
Embrace the Change in Weather
One of the best things about fall is the relief from summer’s heat and humidity. A dip in the temperature can make outdoor activities more comfortable. Take advantage by scheduling workouts during daylight hours when it’s still warm enough, but not sweltering. Early morning or late afternoon walks, hikes, or bike rides can become a great way to get in your dose of nature and fresh air. Be sure to dress in layers so you can adjust as your body warms up.
Adjust Your Schedule
With less daylight available, you may need to tweak your workout times. If you’re used to evening runs or walks, but now find it getting dark too early, try moving your activity to lunchtime or mornings. Use this opportunity to experiment with different times of day, as you might discover you have more energy for exercise at varying hours. If that’s not possible due to work or family commitments, consider wearing a reflective vest or blinking light attached to you, both front and back, so that cars and people can see you clearly.
Bring Your Workouts Indoors
Begin to explore indoor options, such as home workouts, as there are countless free resources online—from YouTube HIIT classes to yoga apps—that require little space or equipment. Or join a gym since fall is a great time to take advantage of gym memberships, many offering autumn or “back to school” promotions, and try something new like a Spin or Pilates class.
Set New Goals
A change in the season is also an opportunity for a fresh starting line. Reflect on what worked well for you over the summer and what you would like to improve this fall:
- Do you want to build strength before winter?
- Would you like to increase flexibility?
- Are there local races or charity walks/runs coming up?
Setting specific goals—like running a certain distance by Thanksgiving or mastering five new yoga poses—can keep motivation high as routines shift. Track your workouts using an app or journal. Join virtual challenges through fitness apps.
Get Outside When You Can
Don’t abandon outdoor activities altogether! Autumn offers some of nature’s best displays: colorful leaves underfoot on hiking trails; apple orchards perfect for weekend outings, and walking or hiking in Minnesota parks that are less crowded than in peak summer months.
Listen To Your Body
Seasonal transitions can affect energy levels and mood—not just because of temperature changes, but also due to shifts in sunlight exposure, especially with Daylight Savings Time around the bend. Be gentle with yourself, focus on consistency rather than intensity. Transitioning your exercise routine from summer into fall doesn’t mean losing momentum—it means adapting creatively! By embracing seasonal opportunities indoors and out, setting fresh goals, staying accountable, and listening closely to your body’s needs, you’ll keep moving forward all autumn long.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Support Your Body as You Move Into a New Season
Regular chiropractic adjustments incorporated into your routine complement and benefit your body by helping to address underlying alignment issues and improve muscle function. Optimal spinal alignment enhances mobility, range of motion, and flexibility. Whether you exercise a little or a lot, your body can benefit from receiving chiropractic care.
Schedule a visit at Vaida, and let Dr. Lydia or Dr. Katie support you as we all make the seasonal transition into autumn.