Favorite Fitness Must Haves For Fall

 

If I've said it once (LOL), I've said it probably hundreds of times...I hate to see summer ending.

It's no secret I'm totally (hopelessly, if you will) in love with the summer season, and pretty much every aspect of it. Yes...the heat (even the humidity), the long days and the joy being outside without needing to think about layers. 

(sigh)

But, I also respect  if it was summer year-round, I might not appreciate it as much.

That being said, this time of year is tricky. We've already begun the summer-to-fall transitioning, and there are a few key items that play a huge part in making this annual "right of passage" a little more bearable.

Thus, here's my top-5 list of Favorite Fitness Must Haves for Fall:

Hands-down the creme de la creme would be arm warmers. Whomever invented these should have won the fitness equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize. Probably my favorite running outfit, especially this time of year, is a tank top with shorts and arm warmers. The arm warmers are a great option on those cool mornings when a tank top (or even a short-sleeved top) isn't quite warm enough on its own but a long-sleeved top will be too hot. The arm warmers are easily rolled-down, or peeled off (and tied around ones waist) if you get too warm. I've even frequently used them for early-morning bike rides, or layered them under a wind breaker jacket, because they're easier to remove than a long-sleeved shirt would be.

Another key player as I transition to fall is a simple lightweight headband. It's not cold enough for  fleece headbands yet, but a "summer" one will do nicely over ones ears if it's a cold morning or there's a nasty breeze blowing. Again, these work well for any outdoor activity, whether you're running, walking, or biking.

Even when the temps aren't sub-freezing, a thin pair of gloves will come in handy until you've had a chance to acclimate to the colder air. After a couple weeks of sub-60F temps, my hands are usually comfortable. Those first few chilly runs, though, feel pretty frigid in comparison to the warmer weather that has just vacated the premises.

Maybe it's a denial thing, but I try to stay in my shorts until the temps are approaching freezing. My best strategy is to wear knee socks (or compression sleeves with wool hiking socks). For whatever reason, just having my legs partially covered does the trick, LOL, in fighting the impending falling temps.

Finally, with the dwindling daylight, my morning runs have already gotten pretty dark, so a light source is crucial. I'm usually all decked-out with my Noxgear vest and Knuckle Lights. So what if I look like a Christmas tree? Safety is paramount, and it's wise to not only see where you're going, but to also be seen by others.

So, these are my favorites. Obviously, there are many other items that others may prefer (capri-length leggings, headlamps, etc.), but these are my five favorite go-tos.

A couple of related posts:

Favorite Fall (running) Hacks

Fall Fitness Transitioning Tips

 How about you? Do you have a few favorites (or five?) that help you ease into the fall season?

 I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

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