Fall fitness: How to change up your workout for the new season

As temperatures drop, head indoors for a hot yoga class this fall. © da-kuk/Istock.com

As we move into fall, the shorter, colder days can make it easy to become demotivated about your workout regime, but the change in season can also be a great time to try something new. Relaxnews rounds up three sports that will help mix up your workout and keep your fitness plan going through fall and beyond.

Hot yoga

If you hit up the park for an outdoor yoga class over summer, then keep your yoga flow going this fall by heading inside for a hot yoga class. Not only will hot yoga enable you to work out indoors, but the heated room will also keep you warm as the temperature starts to drop outside. Hot yoga provides the body with a great cardiovascular workout, according to Jennifer Aniston's yoga teacher Mandy Ingber, with the high temperature an effective way of bringing the heart rate up. However, remember to hydrate before, during, and after class, advises Ingber.

Spinning

Outdoor cycling is great for warm summer days, but it isn't as fun if you get caught in the rain. If you're a cycling fan though, why not try an indoor spinning class? You won't be able to explore the outdoors, but a class environment can bring its own benefits, with motivation from an expert trainer, a team atmosphere, and a chance to make new friends. Spinning also brings with it incredible health benefits, including burning up to 675 calories in 30 minutes, with the sprint cycling techniques used in classes also challenging the muscles in the legs and bum, and boosting cardiovascular activity for rapid results.

Trail running

You do have to head outdoors for trail running, but this is one sport that is worth getting caught in the rain for. First of all, summer can simply be too hot for running, making the cooler fall temperatures the perfect time to be outside. Trail running breaks the monotony of road running and has more health benefits than treadmill running, thanks to the more challenging terrain and the rugged ups and downs. Getting started is easy, with National Cross Country Running champion, fitness coach and trail runner Lesley Paterson advising wannabe runners to "just find a local park or trail, and just run!" If you are completely new to running, says Paterson, alternate between walking and running for one minute until you can run continuously without stopping, even if you try to run for just five minutes at first. As you build up fitness and strength, you may be able to run for an hour or even longer.