By Amber Sayer
NYC Personal Trainer

As we enter fall, we lose some of the luxuries of summer exercise.  The daylight diminishes, leading to both dark mornings and dark evenings.  Weather can be cold and windy, and outdoor exercise opportunities can seem scarcer.  While all of this is true, by dressing appropriately, planning your workout times, and making a few adjustments to your routine, autumn is actually a wonderful season for exercise. 

            Days are shorter so it is important to plan your workout times.  If you still want to exercise outside, make sure you are properly dressed in reflective clothing and carry a light if it is dark.  Try to get out the door right after work or later in the morning if you work a regular schedule.  If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider switching your exercise routine to your lunchtime.  If your motivation is waning in the darker, colder weather, consider finding a running group, joining a gym and taking your routine indoors, or contacting a local personal trainer who can keep you motivated, accountable, and mix-up your routine to prevent boredom and the dreaded fitness/weight plateaus. 

            Dress for success outside.  Weather can be windy and cool so wear light layers and consider a wind-resistant jacket for your outside layer.  However, this can be a good thing; no longer is the heat and oppressive humidity a worry, causing you to cut your workout short in order to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion.  Fall is one of the best seasons for distance running, hiking, biking, rollerblading, soccer, basketball, or any number of outdoor sports.  If you trained during the summer, you may actually find you feel stronger and more “fit” in the cooler weather because your body is not struggling as hard to maintain temperature homeostasis as you exercise. 

Lastly, just because outdoor swimming pools are closed, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of great fitness activities to get involved in during the fall in New York City!  Consider one of the many local road races, some fun bike events, or other sporting opportunities you can find in local fitness calendars such as Active.com.