The end of summer is a time of peak fitness for many. Long light days have boosted energy levels plus made it easier to fit in exercise, and activity-based holidays for pursuits like hill walking, cycling, water sports, and climbing may have supercharged fitness. As autumn draws in, however, changes in daylight hours and a return to routine place constraints on the extent of our physical activity.
At this time of year, the conundrum is often how to retain our newfound zest. Almost inevitably, we will need to make adaptations, there are ways though of staying in good condition for our favourite outdoor pursuits when the opportunity of taking them up again returns.
Regularly, spending extended lengths of time in exercise may not be possible at present, nevertheless, a good level of endurance can be sustained by taking one extended exercise session each week. Ensure this happens by planning ahead and committing to your schedule.
Cardiovascular fitness is maintained through a combination of frequency, intensity, and duration of training. Whilst fitness is specific to the activity undertaken, the physiological interaction between the heart and lungs of cardiovascular fitness is more readily transferable from activity to activity than the other strength, endurance, co-ordination, and mobility components of fitness. Maintaining good cardiovascular fitness, therefore, will be of sound all-purpose usefulness when it comes to resuming outdoor pursuits.
Sports-specific training is a great way of maintaining fitness for our favourite activity. Options include specialist group fitness classes and personal training. Ask at The Gym about our sports-specific personal training and exercise classes for staying in touch with your inner athlete.