The fall season can be a tough time for exercisers. The days are shorter and colder, which makes it harder to get outside for a workout. Even if you’re lucky enough to have access to an indoor gym, you might still be tempted to skip your morning run or spin class because it feels just too dang gloomy out there! But don’t worry: You can stay motivated all season long by changing up your routine and finding new ways to enjoy exercise. Here are some easy strategies that will help keep you moving even when the weather gets cold:

Identify Season-Related Obstacles

It's hard to keep motivated to exercise, especially when it's cold outside. But all you need to do is identify the obstacles that are keeping you from working out, and then set yourself up for success!

For example, if you're worried about being cold, try wearing layers or choosing an indoor activity. If you're worried about time constraints, schedule your workouts for the morning or evening when there's less traffic on the roads. Or if you're feeling like you don't have enough energy, consider getting a fitness tracker so that you can see how much physical activity you're getting in each day and make sure that number is increasing over time.

No matter what obstacle comes up, there is always a way around it—so go ahead and take action!

Set a Goal

You’ll be more motivated to exercise if you have something to work towards. Ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable. If you don’t feel like your current fitness level can handle this goal, then adjust it so that it suits your current fitness level (e.g., walk 15 minutes instead of 30). Also setting a specific—and measurable goal will be helpful! “I will run 1 mile by July 15th." Or "I will lose 20 pounds by June 1st." are some of the samples.

Get a Buddy

You’re more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you have a buddy or two to keep you in check. Having someone else that’s invested in your health and well-being will motivate both of you, keeping each other accountable for completing the next workout. You can also share tips and tricks for making it through the winter months.

Find a New Class

If you’re looking for a way to stay motivated, finding a new class is an excellent idea. You may have been working out at the gym all summer, but now that it’s autumn and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to try something different.

Find a class that fits your schedule and interests, and you’ll be more likely to make it a part of your routine. If you’re looking for something fun, try Zumba or karate classes. For something more intense, consider weight training or kickboxing classes.

Join a Fitness Challenge

Taking part in a fitness challenge can be a great way to motivate yourself to exercise in autumn.

You can sign up for an online challenge that includes workouts, recipes, and even inspirational messages from other people taking part in the same challenge! The best part is that these challenges are usually free so there's no excuse not to participate.

Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to plan ahead. By planning your workouts in advance, you'll be less likely to skip them because you won't have any time left over at the end of your day. Planning also allows you to make sure that you have everything necessary for a good workout—from shoes and clothes to water bottles and gym memberships—and keeps injury-causing accidents at bay by ensuring that everything fits correctly.

Get Enough Sleep

Before you hit the gym or go for a run, make sure that you're getting enough sleep!

Sleep deprivation can make it harder for you to feel motivated, so if you don't get enough sleep, then it might be tough to keep up with your exercise routine. Your mind needs time off from the day-to-day hustle just like your body does, so make sure that you're getting enough rest each night so that you can wake up refreshed and ready for whatever comes next!

Eat Healthily and Drink Enough Water

Try to eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables and keep hydrated with water throughout the day. This will help keep your energy levels up while you're exercising and will also help prevent dry skin caused by dry air outside.

Dress Appropriately

Dress in layers so you can adjust based on how hot or cold it is outside and indoors too. If it's too hot out, take off an extra layer; if it's too cold out, put on an extra layer! You'll stay warm while looking cute at the same time! Don't forget socks either—they're essential for keeping your feet warm!

Reward Yourself

If you're finding it hard to motivate yourself to get out there this autumn, try rewarding yourself for exercising. By rewarding yourself after a workout—whether it's with a portion of your favorite food, an extra hour of sleep, or something else—you're showing yourself that exercise is worth doing because it makes you feel good!

Make It Fun

You're not going to stick with a workout program if it isn't enjoyable, so find ways to make exercise fun and you'll be more likely to stick with it. If you're already working out regularly and want to switch things up, try something new like taking a class or joining a group of like-minded people who share your passion for fitness. Or get a personal trainer or coach who can help motivate and challenge you at every step of your journey toward better health and wellness.

Conclusion

We hope that these tips will help keep you motivated to exercise this autumn. We know it can be hard, but the most important thing is to find what works for you. If one of these ideas doesn't work out, don't worry! There are countless things that can keep us motivated to exercise and they're all unique to each person's needs and interests.