How to Break Your Boring Exercise Rut This Fall?

With the NFL season well underway (Lions’ and Browns’ fans, my condolences) and the Fall TV programming schedule in full swing (high-five for House and Glee anyone?) it’s very easy to get cozy on your sofa and do some mindless channel surfing.

[Ever had days where you didn't change out of your pajamas and wonder what the hell did I do today? Not a good feeling is it?] 

Throw in the fact that life is a hell of a lot busier during this time of year – school, social gatherings, volunteer commitments, or an increased work schedule, now competing for our time – it’s not that difficult to pull a 180 and return to your lazy self and stop your regular exercise regimen. Not so fast…

Besides the numerous distractions mentioned above, the Fall season is a great time to re-visit our fitness goals and re-commit towards achieving them. I know what your thinking… Sounds like the usual re-commitment to my fat loss goals whatever-type-of-plea. But hear me out…

What I’m really trying to convey is the need for some change and excitement in the way you go about in achieving your fat loss goals. These methods – working out at the gym or playing outdoor sports – may be boring you out by now so it’s time to take a look around your community for physical activities that can put a pep back in our step.

These boots were made for walking

Just because it’s colder outside, doesn’t mean you have to batten down the hatches until spring. Throw an extra layer of clothing on and explore the great outdoors when the weather is suitable. NOTE: If it looks like the movie set from The Day After Tomorrow outside your window then exercise your common sense instead. Risking a finger due to frost bite is just a tad stupid in my opinion.

Join a class

An untapped pipeline of physical fitness options can be found at your local community or recreation center. Sometimes you’ll find a Recreation guide tucked into your weekend newspaper or available at your neighborhood grocery stores, but if hard copies are unavailable then go look online. I’m surprised every time I look at the program guide and the variety of things to try out such as dancing, pilates, badminton, and cardio-kickboxing! Don’t believe me? Check out what programs are available in my area.

Jump in a lake

If you’re in the northern hemisphere then going to the beach probably isn’t as fun as it is in the summer months. No worries, your local indoor pool is the place to be now. Swim a few laps and see how ridiculously slow you are compared to an Olympian like Michael Phelps and then keep practicing. As far as a total body workout, not many activities can stand toe-to-toe with swimming. Plus… this activity gives you another motivation to not let-yourself-go because you’ll have to bare your midsection in that fantastic summer swimsuit.

Take your jumper indoors

Ever see a giant bubble on the side of a highway road that resembles a cross between a military testing facility and a giant insect? OK… maybe it’s a warehouse or a building in your city but these indoor sport facilities are a paradise waiting to be discovered. Practically any sport played outdoors can be played indoors such as soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, and even rock climbing. If you’ve never tried rock climbing, I highly recommend. Great combination of mental and physical strength with loads of burning endurance!

With the cold weather coming, this is no time to excuse yourself from regular physical activity. If your looking for inspiration I definitely recommend checking out Turbulence Training by Craig Ballantyne. If you’ve never tried bodyweight exercises then prepare to be rejuvenated by this excellent fat loss activity.