- By Caila Ball-Dionne

Fall: the season of beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures, shorter days, back to school schedules...and mounting excuses not to work out.

As the swimsuits are put into storage until next June, it’s tempting to store the rigorous workout schedule along with it. After all: ‘tis the season for cozy sweaters and very forgiving peacoats, right?

Well...sort of. Although your physique might not be on display like it was in the Summer, the physically and mentally healthy lifestyle that it represents is still important year round. 

Don’t become seasonally lazy! Squash common workout excuses with these easy fixes.

The Excuse: “It’s already dark outside.”
The Fix: Don’t let the shorter days cancel your outdoor workouts! Continue morning and evening workouts safely by investing in high visibility workout attire. 

Reflective vests, LED headlamps, knuckle lights, reflective accessories and even lightweight flashlights keep outdoor runs and walks safe when the sun goes down.

The Excuse: “My Summer soccer league is over.”
The Fix: Celebrate the closing of one fitness season by starting a new fitness program or class. Check with studios in your area for recurring incentive programs gearing up this month; many fall programs are still just launching. As a calorie-burning bonus, sign up for a program at a studio you’ve never tried before, which will burn more calories than sticking with the same old routine.

The Excuse: “I have no pool parties looming to motivate me.”
The Fix: Nothing on your calendar to push you to the gym? Time to stock up your Fall schedule with some motivating deadlines! Sign up for a 10K to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, get a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot or December Jingle Bell Run on the books, or (finally) sign up for that triathlon you’ve been putting off.

Racing not your thing? Circle a few dates on your calendar that call for looking your best, such as a vacation, holiday party, high school reunion or a birthday. Keeping a countdown running as the date approaches will give you some added fitness motivation.

The Excuse: “I need a break. I’ll start working out again in the New Year.”
The Fix: Remember: there are three full months left in this year, and at least one of them makes you prone to holiday weight gain (looking right at you, December). 

Commit yourself to taking the next two months to get a jumpstart on the many appetizers and cocktails that will come your way over the holiday season. Keep in mind that the break you think you need might just indicate a need for a change in your routine. Try a new class, workout with friends or try working out in the morning instead of the evening.

The Excuse: “But it’s such perfect lounging by the fireplace weather.”
The Fix: Luckily, that same perfect lounging weather also happens to be perfect outdoor activity weather. The fireplace will be there when you get back. Take advantage of these perfect Fall weather months to incorporate some leaf peeping into your outdoor runs, walks and hikes. As for those less-than-perfect Fall weather days? The fireplace will feel that much better when you return from your workout.

Start squashing your workout excuses now by signing up for a class on our nearby workout finder. Happy Fall!