By Angela Verges
Do you remember when you were a child and you watched mom or dad rake all the orange, yellow, or brown leaves scattered on the lawn into a pile? I remember how that pile was as high as my waistline (now I can’t even see my waistline), and it was just waiting for me to fall into them. And I did. Nowadays, I think of fall as a great time to refocus on fitness.
Fall offers unique fitness opportunities such as apple picking, pumpkin carving, and fall-themed walks which can make exercising more fun. But, I experienced an even more unique fitness opportunity recently: I accidentally engaged in a new workout—a Lycra Lunge-a-thon.
My fitness journey has consisted of many forms of exercise, but this workout was a Cardio Carnival. In my mind there was a ringmaster announcing, “Next up a feat never seen before….” The culprit of my woes was a new pair of leggings that were on sale and cute. The long adhesive removable tag affixed to the leg read Large.
There were no fitting rooms at the store so I grabbed the size I would typically wear and bought them without trying them on. As I attempted to try the pants on at home, I realized the label was misleading.
Instead of giving shoppers the size information, there should have been a warning that stated: Due to shortage of supplies, less material was used to make this garment. If that statement was attached somewhere, I would have known to purchase the next larger size.
It’s good to add variety to your workout; it’s like trying different seasonings on your food– fresh basil, chopped green scallions, and lemon zest. But this workout variety I was embarking upon was more like a variety show. It was like playing a game of Twister—left foot in, right hand reach, and pull pant leg. I was thrown into this workout without a warm-up; it was an immediate high intensity training.
There was no time for deep breathing. It was rapid fire, short quick breaths. I had a flash back to child birthing class where we practiced breathing using the phrase, “he, he, whooo; he, he, whooo.”
I was worried the leggings wouldn’t make it over my protruding belly. I quickly discovered there was no need for worry. The elastic high-rise pants barely made it over my knees and refused to stretch up any further.
The leggings gripped my legs like a stiff exercise band. I left them there and began doing squats, standing donkey kicks, and other cardio moves I learned over the years. After a few minutes of intense fighting with the pants, I gave up and began the cool down.
In a seated position on the floor, my breathing became slower and more deliberate. I moved like a contortionist as I struggled to remove the leggings one leg at a time. After the heavy breathing subsided, I relaxed my body, then threw the ball of spandex across the room. I’d had enough of the Lycra Lunge-a-thon.
Whether it’s an evening walk, early morning stretches, or riding a Peloton bike with a virtual coach, I have done them all at some point. I’m learning that every day is another opportunity to start fresh. There is no expiration date for this journey.
Here are seven tips for fun fall fitness:
The next time you’re in a store fitting room struggling to try on merchandise or squeezing into an outfit at home, flex your muscles, and count it as exercise.
When exercising, leave your jewelry at home; that lovely choker necklace you’re so fond of, can pose a choking hazard. You don’t want it to live up to its name.
Think outside the box: decorate for the harvest season with bales of hay and pumpkins, and you have all the equipment you need for fall fitness. Hay bale burpees provide a rustic twist on this intense workout.
Balance your fitness with fun, fall foods. You determine what that looks like. I told a friend about how I struggle with stubborn menopausal belly fat. She suggested that I try eating according to my blood type. She asked, “Do you know your blood type? I said, “Yes it’s O…besity.”
Add the element of layer management to your workout. If you have ever experienced menopausal symptoms, now is the time to use them to your advantage. You may have heard how night sweats and hot flashes can resemble a game of Hokey Pokey–leg in the cover, leg out of the cover. Then there’s jacket on, jacket off, right arm in, left arm out. As you are constantly putting on and taking off layers, you are stimulating muscles and joints.
Make your fall workouts comfy and cozy. Considering the temperatures are cooler in the fall, pull out your favorite yoga pants that are threadbare, because, well, they’re your favorite. Grab that weather beaten hoodie that you only wear around the house. Create your cozy ensemble and be uniquely you.
Stay positive. Focus on the benefits you’re gaining. Celebrate small victories along the way. Remember what humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.”
Don’t give up on your fitness journey. Make it a sustainable part of your lifestyle. When you hit a speed bump, go over it, and keep moving. Remember to laugh often, laugh loudly, and love every minute of it. Laughter burns calories.
Angela Verges is a native Detroiter who blogs about her wacky kids, weight gain, and wild chin hair, among other things. She views life’s situations uniquely through steamed eyeglasses due to hot flashes. You can find her on stage bringing laughter to others. Follow Verges on Instagram at writermama223, on Facebook @angela.verges or visit her website angelaverges.net.
Related Content:
Do you remember when you were a child and you watched mom or dad rake all the orange, yellow, or brown leaves scattered on the lawn into a pile? I remember how that pile was as high as my waistline (now I can’t even see my waistline), and it was just waiting for me to fall into them. And I did. Nowadays, I think of fall as a great time to refocus on fitness.