It happens every year right around this time... Our level of activity takes a drastic drop. All summer we're enjoying the sun, getting out as much as we can, and being way more active than usual. Some of us are running outside more, others break out a bicycle. Swimming, playing flag football, taking long walks in the park, visiting the beach, and just doing more with our bodies, is the summer way. Then, as the great weather turns into fall, we find ourselves rather suddenly back inside more, sedentary, and spending more time sitting at a desk or in a classroom most of the day. As the warm embrace of the summer fades along with the exercising it brings, so takes over the fall when it's back to the more heavy seasonal stresses of our jobs, the hectic home life, and the loaded activity schedule of our kids. To make matters worse, colder weather brings shorter days. Not only does the weather make exercise a lot less less appealing, it actually gets harder to find the time to get outside and stay active. Perhaps the toughest part about this significant drop in our movement levels, is that this is when people typically start packing on the body fat. Even if we eat the same amount, the problem is that, with less activity, the same calories taken into our bodies don't get burned off, and thus become excessive. But with a little awareness and a reasonable effort, you can counter this problem. Take control and don't let this vicious cycle happen to you. Ask yourself what you're going to do this fall to make sure your activity level stays elevated? Make it a point to renew or unfreeze that gym membership. Enroll in an interesting exercise class. Try something crazy, new, and different, like ballroom dancing. Get a personal trainer, at least just for the fall and winter months. Anyway you can get it done, keep your activity level up as summer fades into fall. And don't forget that any time of the year is a great time for CRUSH TIME!!
- Gina Carey