Don’t let fall’s arrival keep you from keeping fit

by LORI-ANN MARCHESE

CTFashionMag.com

Just because summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean your fit body has to as well.

It’s that time to fall back into your fabulous jeans.

In order to keep that body looking great and that booty looking fit, working out and eating right is essential. With all the temptations that come with the fall season, it can become very difficult to beat your cravings.

Reminding yourself that 80 percent of your results come from the way you eat will make all the difference. Just because the temptation of festival food and the endless options of pie surrounds you, doesn’t mean you can forget about the healthy options.

Spend a day at the orchard. It is a perfect outdoor activity to take advantage of. Not only are you being active but you can hand pick your fresh produce. Balancing your diet and physical activity is key to staying fit and healthy.

Even if you only have 20 minutes to dedicate yourself to fitness, there are no excuses.

Working out will give you that toned figure you want. As the heat diminishes, and the cool temperatures and the crisp fall air come, jeans become the trend.

When you rock those jeans, not only do you want your legs to look great, but you want your booty to look even better. In order to maintain a nice booty, you must perform specific exercises that target that area. Doing lunges, side lunges, plank butt lifts and squats are ideal.

Lunge

To perform a lunge, keep your upper body straight, shoulders back with your chin up. Engage your core and step forward with one leg at a 90 degree angle. The lunge works your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, abdominal and back muscles.

Side-Lunge

When doing a side-lunge, stand with your feet and knees together. Take a large step with your right foot to the right side to the floor. Last, push off through your right foot to return to the starting position. The side-lunge focuses on the glutes, abductors, adductors and quadriceps.

Plank Butt Lifts

When performing plank butt lifts, begin in pushup position. Bend your elbows in order to shift your weight on your forearms. Your body must be in a straight line. Tighten your core and lift one foot (in flexed position) three inches off the ground for a few seconds. Lower leg and repeat on the other side. Plank Butt Lifts engage the glutes and hamstrings.

Squat

To begin the squat, stand with your head forward and your chest held up and out. Have your feet shoulder-width apart, and then sit back as if you were sitting in a chair. Once you return to a standing position, you have completed the exercise. Squats work the entire lower body. The specific muscles are quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes, as well as the muscles that compose the calf. Focusing on a variety of exercises that work the same area will make your booty looking even greater!

Below is the Fall into Fabulous Jeans Workout.

When you crave those unhealthy foods, think of cleaner, wholesome alternatives. If you are holding yourself back from indulging your sweet tooth, find a healthier route and make a Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake as a replacement. Take one cup of unsweetened almond milk, half cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling), one teaspoon honey, one scoop of Body Construct Vanilla Pudding Protein, half teaspoon pumpkin spice, one medium banana and ice, and blend.

Now that fall is on its way, beating that summer heat isn’t an issue anymore. Before the snow comes, enjoy this season and spend as much time outside as you can. Move your workout outside. Involve yourself with the outdoors by going for hikes or biking. Not only are you exercising but they will provide you with a scenic view.

The most important part is to find enjoyment in your workout. Don’t see working out as a hassle, see it as a daily task.

Remember to replenish your body with water throughout the day. This will help you cleanse your body and keeps you hydrated.

Don’t use this upcoming season as an excuse to fall back into your bad habits. Sticking to your routine will only make yourself feel and look better.

Fall into Fabulous Jeans Workout

Lunges-1 minute

Side Lunges-30 seconds each leg

Squats -1 minute

Plank Butt Lifts- 30 seconds each leg

Rest 1 minute.

Repeat 4x

Lori-Ann Marchese, a former Mrs. Connecticut and a star of “Game of Crowns,” is owner of Body Construct LLC in New Britain.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN