There’s no use denying it: one of the reasons I love fall so much is the excuse to wear sweaters and coats. Big, warm, bulky articles of clothing which hide the extra bit of bulk I may be hiding underneath. It’s true, fall is my worst season for managing my weight. You too? Yeah, it’s not surprising at all.
In the beginning of the year, there are resolutions and promises. And for a while, it works. Then comes early spring, also known as travel season, where myself and countless Canadians are vacationing down south to escape the Canadian climate and reset our perspective on life. And since a bikini body is always top of mind, chances are, diet and exercise are happening in some form or fashion.
Then there’s summer. The season where extra clothing is not an option, and fitness routines are easier to stick to thanks to the availability of both indoor and outdoor options. As a result, weight is managed and self-esteem remains intact.
(Pictured above: Me, in summer. Just like every summer – at my best weight of the year.)
But then… then comes fall. And after months of watching what I eat, fitting in exercise, squeezing into skinny jeans and jumping on the weighing scale, I’ve had enough. Enough! I will gladly ensconce myself in the sanctuary of oversized sweaters and strategically cut blazers and always say yes to that second helping of lasagna.
Fall Body. It’s a thing, folks.
And the most dangerous thing about Fall Body is that it sets the pace for Holiday Body, the free-for-all of overindulgence (usually involving copious amounts of sweets, stuffing and sangria) which ultimately leads to Resolution Body in January.
This year, I’m waging a war against Fall Body. I’m so excited to team up with GoodLife Fitness to help keep my health and fitness goals on track right through the fall and holiday seasons. After all, resolutions are meant to be broken, but healthy lifestyle choices last a lifetime.
Are you with me? Here’s your “No More Excuses” checklist for getting back to a better you.
1. Be prepared. You know how we’re supposed to prepare our home in the event of a war or a natural disaster? We *know* the holiday season is around the corner, so making healthy food choices now allows for a little wiggle room later. The same can be said for your fitness routine; finding the time to get moving in the coming months can help turn your body into a calorie-burning machine (especially helpful for when Irish Cream shots are passed around the party).
2. Phone a friend. Make plans to go to the gym together; scope out a vegan, farm-to-table or similar restaurant which serves healthier fare; skip the movie theatre and spend an afternoon window shopping instead. Sticking to any regime is easier when it’s done with company, and you’ll be able to sneak in some much needed bonding time too.
3. Replace “have to” with “want to”. Let’s face it: the second something starts feeling like a chore, we begin to resent it. So if we’re constantly telling ourselves we have to go to the gym, chances are, we’ll subconsciously rebel and end up on the couch. Instead, focus on what you want: a greater level of energy and fitness, a stronger body, an increased sense of well-being. And, if we’re being real, thinner thighs and a tighter tush.
4. Schedule fitness into your life – don’t schedule your life around fitness. GoodLife Fitness, with over 350 fitness club and gym locations across the country, offers 24/7 and 24/4 gym locations that let you work out on your own time – late night, early morning, or anytime in between. Plus, they have a large amount of women’s only gyms, so you can work out where you feel most comfortable.
5. Try it for FREE. Get started on a healthier, happier life! GoodLife offers a free 3-Visit Pass which includes access to everything a GoodLife Fitness Membership Offers. What do you have to lose? (Besides those pesky extra 10 pounds?)
I’m doing it. I’m saying goodbye to Fall Body. I’ll be back in a few weeks to report on my progress, and I’m hoping to see tangible results! Wish me luck!
Tell me – when do you find it hardest to stay on track? Which season sets you back with diet and exercise?
This Blog post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program, however all opinions expressed are my own.
i didn’t know there was such a thing as a fall body lol. excellent post
Autumn and Winter are my weight gaining months unfortunately!
Do you know what?.. I find it easier to stick to my exercise routine in winter! I get over heated too easy so I’m more lethargic in summer. Even with fans blowing on me its hard to really work up a sweat. And I indulge in too many cold food/drinks like ice cream and alcopops.
In winter I love to jump on my treadmill in as little clothes as possible (lol!) with the windows open and go to it! I can last so much longer being on the cold side.
Unfortunately winter i dont get out much because of my MS so i usually gain in the those months !
So far I have lost 5 pounds this fall, so I am determined that there will be no fall body for me this year!
Looking good Lena!
Oh my goodness, this is so true! I need No More Excuse!
I struggle every month of the year, you look fantastic!
if joining a gym be sure to wipe down when you’re done using the equipment
I joined weight watchers in July and so far have lost 33lbs. I wished I joined a lot sooner, but I’m really scared of the upcoming holidays and the winter cooking, I need to keep my diabetes on track too so I can see it’s going to be a tough journey but with the support of others I know I can do it!!!
I hate the fall body, and your are right it happens all the time. Every season is a struggle, its always hard at holiday time.
Now that the holidays are over I have to do something because my eating junk foods has gone crazy but I hate what it takes to lose the weight but I’ll do it no matter what