Not only is fall one of the best times to be outside in St. Louis, it's also one of the best times to get started on a fitness routine. Getting used to healthy habits now will help you get through the often tough-to-get-through holiday and winter seasons. Here's some tips for making the most of this time of year:
1. Take advantage of the weather. At this time of year, there's no better time to enjoy all the hiking and biking trails around St. Louis. Try Grant's Trail, which takes you past the Clydesdales in Grant's Farm and through picturesque landscapes.
2. Get off the couch. Love watching the new fall season of your favorite shows? Instead of parking it on the couch, watch them while on a treadmill or fitness bike at home.
3. Exercise during practice. If you're running around with the kids to and from soccer practice, instead of hanging out in a foldable chair on the sidelines, try taking a walk around the field with some of the other parents.
4. Try hearty fall vegetables. Pumpkins and varieties of squash offer tons of vitamins. Go beyond pumpkin pie and try things like butternut squash bisque.
5. Try something new. Many gym classes get started in the fall, so look for something that interests you, from zumba to pilates.
6. Make exercise a part of your life. Park a little farther from work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk over to your neighbor's house instead of driving.
7. Stop eating out. If you can't resist the temptation of fast food or going out to a nice restaurant, try cooking at home for a week. Look for easy recipes that take 30 minutes or less so you won't feel like it's too much of a burden on your time. Staying in is often better for you and usually costs a lot less.
8. Encourage outdoor playtime. If you've got kids, instead of sitting them in front of the TV, have them help you rake leaves or take them through a corn maze or pumpkin patch. Making an activity fun for them will also make it more fun for you.
9. Find a friend. It's often easier to keep up your motivation when you go to a new exercise class or take a walk with a friend you enjoy spending time with.
10. Stick with it. Fitness experts say it takes your body about 30 days to get used to a new routine. Try to stick it through for that time, and you might find it easier to keep it going through the winter months.
