This year, take advantage of the winds of change when the seasons switch and commit to smart habits for a healthy fall.

Dress for success. As the temperatures drop, you may be tempted to bundle up before heading outdoors to exercise, and for your warm-up and cool-down period, that’s not a bad idea. However, while you’re in the midst of your workout, it’s easy to get overheated. Wear layers that you can shed as you begin to sweat and consider moisture-wicking materials that can prevent sweaty clothes from getting cold in the breeze.

Stay hydrated. You may not feel as thirsty when you exercise in cooler weather, but it’s just as important to keep your body well hydrated. When you sweat, you lose more than just water. An option like Propel Electrolyte Water helps you replace what’s lost in sweat through its key electrolyte – sodium – and supports hydration by stimulating thirst and aiding in fluid balance. With the same level of electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calories and no sugar, it can be a perfect choice to support your active lifestyle. Learn more at propelwater.com.

Opt for early workouts. When dark comes early, it can trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wind down for the night. Avoid that motivation pitfall by planning your workout earlier in the day, such as first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. If early mornings are daunting, remember that it won’t take long to shift your sleep schedule and early exercise is a caffeine-free way to put some energy into your day.

Find exercises you enjoy. Forcing yourself through exercises you despise will only backfire in the long run. If you’re not a runner, look for other ways to get your cardio pumping. Interval walking with varied paces and elevation can be an effective alternative or look at ideas like kickboxing or aerobics that you can have fun with while working up a sweat.

Indulge in moderation. Virtually every expert agrees that an occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable, but use caution when the fall goodies start tempting. Those warm, rich desserts and drinks are filled with empty calories that can make all your hard work go to waste.

Set realistic goals. Having a long-term goal is a good idea, but be sure to set attainable expectations for yourself, including some milestones you can celebrate along the way to keep your motivation strong. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to fitness with your other life demands so you can set your goals accordingly.

Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun may not be as hot, but if you’re exercising outdoors, you’re still at risk for sunburn. Protect any exposed skin with sunscreen before working out.

*FF

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Fall Into a Fitness Routine appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Ahh… the sweet smell of pumpkin everything and the alluring fashions of fall is upon us. The time has come to put away the dreaded bathing suit, shorts and tank tops in favor of a less revealing and more forgiving wardrobe. With this change in pace and attire, it isn’t uncommon for the fitness routines so rigorously practiced in spring and summer to fall to the wayside. Suddenly the need that is felt in the summer months to maintain that relationship with planks and crunches has gone; replaced with yummy pies and calorie-ridden autumn-exclusive beverages.

What is often failed to be realized (or blatantly ignored… guilty!) is how easy it is to maintain a solid fitness routine; sometimes without even having to leave the comfort of home. The following five products will make committing to a fitness routine this fall easy and most importantly, FUN, thus ensuring success in your fitness ventures; perhaps even making it a little easier to dig that bathing suit back out next year.

Dressing the Part

If you are serious about exercise, chances are you have stumbled into more than one pair of yoga pants over time. Comfortable yet fitting without compromising flexibility, this genre of apparel is a no-brainer. But more than likely you have found yourself disappointed with too-fast faded yoga crops or less than lack-luster elasticity. Fret no more; the following are sure to restore your faith in yoga clothes humanity.

1.  YOGASMOGA is an extremely authentic yoga apparel company that is taking New York by storm. The founders grew up in the Himalayas, the birthplace of yoga, and have brought their knowledge and love of this regime to the United States.

*Photo compliments of yogasmoga.com

YOGASMOGA offers everything needed to set on the path to fitness from top to bottom; for men and women. Not the typical clothing line with only profit in mind, YOGASMOGA is committed to developing a strong relationship with the consumer while ensuring that no detail is passed over in product development. From bras that vent on the side to keep you cool to the Skinny-No Muffin Waistband to blast away that evil side bulge, YOGASMOGA is sure to give you the confidence to keep you on the path to fitness; all while looking fabulous!

2.  If a more contemporary style is up your alley, BODYPOP active  has you covered. Designed with the way your body moves in mind, this is a brand that is sure to keep you looking amazing while getting, maintaining or improving an amazing physique. Each piece in this line has been sketched and fit-tested by owner and creator, Cassey Ho whom you may recognize as the YouTube fitness phenomenon for Blogilates.

*Photo compliments of bodypopactive.com

Time to Get Physical

Now that you are dressed for the part, it’s time to get down to business. With these innovative and excuse-repellent products you will be on your way to fit in no time.

3.  Bowflex is a brand that has catapulted the success of in-home gyms to soaring levels. Finally, people are able to cut their tie with gym membership fees in favor of getting fit in the comfort of their own home. The newest member of the Bowflex family is the Bowflex® TreadClimber® TC20 which combines a treadmill, stair climber and elliptical all into one cardio-blasting machine; without the stress on joints that is common when using those three machines separately. The Treadclimber TC20 allows up to two separate users to establish goals, track progress and compare results on a fully backlit LCD display screen. This high intensity, low impact workout guarantees results with ONLY three, thirty minute workouts per week.

*Photo compliments of Bowflex.com

How is the Treadclimber TC20 so effective? It’s very simple. The innovative design of this machine allows you to get the workout from a treadmill, stair climber and elliptical all by only WALKING! The TC20 will literally allow you to walk yourself into a smaller waist, better health and more confidence. In addition to the amazing simple workout you will get by using this machine, it is also compact enough to fit easily in any home.

The biggest con to this machine? Users no longer have an excuse not to get their work out!

4.  If you are anything like me, my biggest obstacle in finding time to exercise is ensuring that I can still complete all of my other mom/work/student/superhuman tasks. As though the creators of FitDesk read my mind, the PedalDesk v2.0 was created for those exactly like me. This machine combines an exercise bike with a computer desk that securely attaches a laptop and includes a drawer for small items such as pens and phones as well as cushioned arm rests for optimum comfort. No longer would those like me have to choose between getting some cardio in and meeting that big deadline.

*Photo compliments of FitDesk.com

The sturdy build of the PedalDesk v2.0 allows you to easily get an awesome cardiovascular workout in while also building upper-body strength with using the built in resistance bands. The new and improved PedalDesk v2.0 is super compact and easily stored when not in use. The best part about this awesome pedal-bike? The price! This bike can be in your home and you can be on the path to fitness for less than the price of most electronics.

When You Have to Go

5.  Getting out of the house to exercise is a preference for many. But, what to do with your essentials when a purse isn’t practical? Worry no more! The folks at DBelt have developed an innovative new product that allows you to easily and discretely harbor all the basic necessities at your waist. This band offers two spacious pockets allowing you to securely carry anything from cash to keys while keeping your hands free. Fumbling with keys and phones at the gym is a thing of the past with this great product. Even better, the DBelt can be used anywhere that you don’t want to worry about keeping tabs on a purse. This belt is designed to be discreet and sleek, easily hiding underneath your top while have a night out.

*Photo compliments of  www.imagemme.com/portfolio/dbelt/

Each of these products has been designed with YOU in mind to promote the easiest ways to maintain or initiate a fitness routine, while looking fabulous of course!

The post Fall Easily into Fitness with these Great Products appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.