🍂🌰 Tips For Conkering Your Autumn Health & Fitness Goals

Me and KBC sat down to record our weekly VOFR Podcast this week and although I failed miserably trying to recall any classic autumnal songs (are there any?), once we got past my musical amnesia, we ended up having one of my favourite chats in a while, all about how to head into the autumnal season with positive momentum, because let's be honest, this time of year can go one of two ways. You either dig in and use it as a fresh start, or the dark nights creep in and so does the "I'll start Monday" energy.

Here's a summary of what came out of the episode, plus a few headline tips to actually chew on...

1. Notice how you feel about the season, and don't fight it

Some of you love autumn. New term, new energy, cosy jumpers, the lot. Others feel a bit flat when summer packs up and leaves. Both are completely normal.

I spoke to a client today at the barn who's genuinely buzzing for this time of year, first time in months that she's got a few hours to herself now the kids are back at school, and I've got others who find the shorter days a nightmare for their motivation to move. Neither reaction is wrong. The trick is knowing which one you are, and adjusting rather than ignoring it.

2. Don't let darker nights kill your movement

This is the one that trips people up every single year. It's dark by 6pm, it's chucking it down, and suddenly your daily walk disappears. Katie's tip from the pod: get yourself a walking pad. I got mine on a whim back in May and it's been a genuine game-changer, folds away, lives under the sofa, and means "it's dark outside" is no longer a valid excuse, plus a few of my online clients have picked one up this year already and they're already thanking me. You don't need one of these to keep moving, but the point is: plan for the drop in daylight before it happens, not after.

3. Let your nutrition get cosy, not chaotic

Darker nights can either mean batch-cooked chillies and bolognese, or a slow slide into biscuit bathing 101. Both are "cosy food" - yet only one helps you positively.

This is a big one with me personally right now. We're talking slow cookers, big batch meals, stuff you can freeze in portions and defrost on a Tuesday when you cannot be bothered to cook. Easy wins, not extra admin.

4. September is a better time to set goals than January

Controversial I know, but hear me out as January gives you a whopping twelve months to "get round to it.", and unfortunately, for most of us, it can be too overwhelming and never really pans out as we'd hoped... whereas September gives you a shorter, more focused run to the end of the year, with far less time to procrastinate, and a fantastic opportunity to make a real positive change to your health and fitness.

What could you achieve in the next 3 months if you really set you mind to it?

5. Ask "why" until it actually means something

This was Katie's big one on the pod, and I really hope it lands with you this Autumn. Don't just set a goal. Interrogate it. Think about Why you really want it? Then ask yourself why does that matter? Keep pressing and questioning yourself until you really hit something that fires you up — and not "because everyone's doing it" or "I should really."

Ask Why? this goal is important to you right now. Then dig as deep into that Why? as you possibly can. The deeper you can dig, the greater chance you'll actually make it there!

6. Remember: Something done well enough for long enough leads to great change. 

That's the whole philosophy behind everything we do at Fit with Frank — and autumn is the perfect moment to put it into practice.

If you like the sound of all this and fancy trying it out for yourself, whether that's training with me at the barn or joining online, you can start a completely free 7-day trial with us today. No pressure, no catch, just a chance to see what consistency actually feels like.

Happy Autumn!

FRANK

your Personal Trainer / Semi-Professional Pumpkin Picker