Fall, Fall, glorious Fall! So what if I had to go all the way up to Yosemite to find this yellow leaf and the Phoenix temperatures are still in the 90s during the day?
At least we are starting to have a bit of coolness at night. In fact, when the sun goes down, 83 degrees feels almost chilly. Almost. With the oppressive summer heat fading away, I see more and more people venturing outdoors. We’ve been shut in for entirely too long and can’t wait to take a jog, enjoy a family bike ride, or go to the park.
Fall is also a time when I feel a renewed sense of energy. Before the big holidays hit, I try to get myself into a good workout routine that will keep me going through Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. My mantra for Fall fitness is this: “Fit by the first”. Instead of waiting until January first to set a goal, I want to already be there by the time the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
Plus, having a specific goal will help me keep my workouts going through the hectic holiday season, a time when I need to exercise the most. I found a fun race on January 26th called “The Color Run“. Basically you start out with white clothes and throughout the race, people throw paint at you and you end up looking like this. 
Great right? If you’ll be in town and want to do it with me, let me know. It’s always more fun to run races together!
As I started gearing up for the Fall fitness season, I found out about a cool program offered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to members of participating Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies called Blue365®. If you have health insurance through a Blue Company, you should definitely sign up. It’s a free “Groupon-like” program that offers discounts on health, wellness and fitness products and programs. The deals are constantly changing, so there’s always something new to check out.
Because of our hectic schedules, I sometimes need to shower and get ready at the gym if I’m going to fit my workout in. So I was on the lookout for a new gym bag that would be better than the old backpack I use now. I really wanted one with a shoe pocket on the outside and places to hold all of my gear. Turns out it was perfect timing because I found a deal on Blue365 for 20% off and free shipping on Reebok.com. Here’s what I picked out.
I can’t wait to start using it! They also had some interesting deals on mindful eating courses, heart rate watches, and local gym memberships. I love that everything is health-oriented and that many deals are local. You can sign up for the program at http://blue365deals.com/ and get immediate access to current deals if you’re a member of a participating Blue Company.
You can also enter for a chance to win one of two $500 Visa gift cards by leaving a comment answering this question: How are you planning to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season?
Contest Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive two (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #SweepstakesEntry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the Official Rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two (2) entries per household. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This Blue365® Program Seepstakes runs from 10/16/12-11/12/12. Be sure to visit the Blue365® page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies. BlogHer is an independent and/or separate company providing marketing/promotional services and does not provide Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield products or services.
{ 95 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad I saw your tweet about this contest today. I had no idea about the Blue365 program. I am totally going to join.
I’ve been doing P90X regularly. The schedule gets a bit challenging with the holidays and out of town visitors, but I hope to keep it up!
I’m aiming to 1) keep going to CrossFit and 2) Follow Michael Pollan’s food advice “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
We recently moved which has given me motivation to get myself in shape. I have been trying to get into a routine in the morning to include jumping jacks, longes, crunches, etc, and then to read scripture before logging into my computer and start working.
I’m motivated to reach a certain weight goal by January 1st and I’m barely on track now, so I have to be good during the holidays! I plan to stay healthy by following my meal plan and exercise plan (cardio 3x per week and weights 3x per week).
I just signed up for my first bootcamp class. After having baby #2 in August, I am looking forward to a little butt kicking and getting back into shape!
So glad for cooler temps! It always amazes me how my motivation for working out goes up as the temperatures outside go down
This post reminds me of how I enjoy the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving—should check into that! Thanks for the reminder, Alysa!
A good friend just did the Color Run in Chicago this past weekend and had a great time! Cooler temps actually motivate me and I love all of the fall races. I have races scheduled through December to help keep me focused on training through the holidays.
http://twitter.com/lauranmotion/status/258233088994320384
I LOVE the fit by the first plan! And fall, didn’t realize you all had such a thing!
Sounds like some great perks! I plan to stay healthy with my unlimited yoga classes that last through December.
I plan on hiking during all this beautiful fall weather, and making healthy versions of my favorite holiday foods!
Since I am a “fair-weathered” runner, I plan on staying healthy by running on my treadmill. It’s an added bonus that I can get it done before the kids get up for school since I don’t have to wait for it to get light outside. Wink!
I am working on steady, sustainable weight loss — one of the hardest and best things I can do for my health.
https://twitter.com/Zaankali/status/258285606566764544
The Dr still hasn’t cleared me to workout like I’m used to working out and has encouraged me to walk. Blech. Walk? Lame. So I’m trying to make myself, but it just seems boring and takes so long. I’m trying…
I am working on eating more whole, natural foods and less processed junk.
Working in a mostly sedentary position, not including multiple walks up to the front office which is only a couple hundred feet round trip, I aim for at least 30 minutes of walking on my lunch breaks. Keeps me healthy and sane.
I am going to keep exercising and drink lots more water throughout the fall.
I’m going to stick to my exercise routine and have fun “lightening up” some of my favorite holiday season treats. This is one of my favorite times of year!
also tweeted!
https://twitter.com/kaischnee
Now that it is starting to cool down I plan to start running again after work. I seem to lose motivation during the summer but now that it’s fall I want to spend as much time outside as possible!
My most successful method of staying healthy this fall (or any time of the year) is eating seasonally. Eating fresh fruits and veggies keeps me excited to try new meals, and keeps me on track. As far as exercise, switching things up to keep myself interested and excited for my time at the gym is always helpful. I just signed up for a race in the winter, and that is always a great motivator for me!
We have open enrollment in November with my plans of changing to Blue Cross!!! How are you planning to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season? By keep on doin’ what I do!! Exercise, eat a plant based diet full of antioxidants and mircro-nutrients, pure water hydration and laughing!!!
FUN give a way!!!
I usually have no problem staying healthy through the holidays, but now with the marathon behind me I am going to shift my focus to spending more time in the weight room and also getting outside and enjoying the fall hiking weather with my dog!
I enjoy running outside, but as the temperatures drop, I don’t enjoy huffing it cold. So I’m looking at joining the gym close to where I work. That way I can stay healthy and energized through the winter months. Also, I’ve been saying no to sodas for the last few months and am going to continue to try my best to Just Say No.
My husband and I are training for a half marathon MLK weekend. I’m also trying to implement a more Paleo lifestyle and diet. It’s hard but I know it’s worth it. Thanks!
I plan to keep doing Nike Training Club and running!
By doing workouts 6 times a week and eating clean on every other day besides the holidays
I plan to stay healthy by continuing my recent start of better eating habits (knowing exactly what’s in the food I eat and also eating in moderation.) And of course by continuing to exercise on my elliptical!
I just got a new rescue dog so we will be running together (perks of living in Southern California)
I plan to get outside and walk. Plus, getting enough sleep and trying to eat right.
I plan on working out 5 days a week, for a hour. Combination of cardio and strength training. I will continue riding my bicycle, until winter really arrives.
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com
tweet
https://twitter.com/lnb1191/status/259001703553171457
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com
I am planning to stay healthy this fall and holiday season by eating right, getting enough sleep, and not letting the stress of it all, get to me.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/259033544515530753
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I have a strong accountability group that will be helping me stay healthy through the holidays while I do Insanity and ski.
I enjoy running in the fall. Living in Arizona it is finally cool enough to run outside.
I plan to try to go to sleep earlier than I normally do!
I’m running my first half marathon in January, so training for that will help me to stay healthy through the holidays.
My husband created a treadmill desk, and I walk on it while watching Netflix or watching music videos on YouTube.
Plan to add zumba class to my fall fitness rountine, tracietrump@yahoo.com
Starting to run and I plan to keep it up throughout winter – since I don’t like sweating it should work out pretty well.
I will continue to run throughout the winter (living in Florida makes this easy) and eat healthy foods and take my vitamin.
I am eating much healthier, drinking more water and getting more sleep.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/260027849371693056
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
I plan to take walks and play lots of tennis to stay healthy this season.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/260230107241787392
Bring my workout gear with me to school, to force myself to go to the gym right after class!
Plan to keep exercising, eat right and get a flu shot.
https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/260421372608647168
I plan to stay healthy by getting my flu shot and washing my hands often. Also, I need to stop kissing my 5 year old all over his face. I have a feeling that’s how I get sick! LOL
i’m looking forward to using my new jogging stroller this fall
https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/260841895901671425
I am trying to get healthy by having regular Dr. visits, eating better and exercising as much as I can.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/261122524870500352
Eating in moderation!
https://twitter.com/MikeT11405598/status/261531895899234304 tweet
by staying active
I plan to stay healthy by drinking a lot of water and tea and only eating when I am hungry.
When the weather starts getting cold around here, I like to do exercise DVDs in my home. Some of my favorites are Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred, the 10-Minute Trainer, and Turbo Jam. We also make a lot of healthy crockpot meals and try to avoid eating fast food. I also use a small plate at holiday parties, so I am less likely to overeat!
nbalogh522 at gmail dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/maybaby522/status/262375788731584516
I go to Boot Camp as many times a week as possible and make sure I exercise at least 4 times a week…am going to pick it up to 5!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
Eating healthy. Watching the sweets. Walking. Taking vitamins. I already got a flu shot as I am near my young nieces and nephews a lot and I tend to older parents. I am trying to get enough sleep. I am trying to stay hydrated with water. I use a stepper when watching tv. I also make sure that I have time with my husband and friends. I also have a signed up for yoga and I do acupuncture once a week.
I actually started eating better ON Thanksgiving day a couple years back, and I keep it off by eating a low carb diet and I go to a boxing studio and work out there 4-5 times a week. I have all my low carb food here
http://www.foodimakemysoldier.com
I’m planning to keep a regular running schedule…with the eventual goal of running in my very first half-marathon. I hope to be ready by early 2013. Wish me luck?
I’ll do more home cooking using healthy ingredients and less fast food.
I’ll stay healthy playing basketball with my daughter and eating right!
tweet
https://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/263551240175247361
i am gonna start taking vitamins again and watch what i eat
nannypanpan@gmail.com
I plan on watching my calories, and taking advantage of the cooler weather by walking/running outside everyday!
https://twitter.com/MomOF2Boysz/status/264184843175333889
I plan to bundle my son up and walk to the playground or park each day.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/264198170496618497
I’m going to work out at the gym or hike to stay healthy through the Fall and holiday season.
I tweeted this at https://twitter.com/wizardewu/status/265304896276930560
Walking and eating healthy (not too many cookies or pumpkin pie!)
I’ll try not to overindulge at the holiday table!
I plan to eat healthy during the holiday season, and I want to try new workouts with exercise ball and weights. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/265385288694628352
songyueyu at gmail
I’m going to be putting on as many miles as I can, maybe 15-20 per week, so I can comfortably be prepared for my very first half marathon in the spring! I’m so excited! And all those miles are going to make me feel ok about popping a few Christmas cookies along the way!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/266356903913861122
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I love to walk, so I will be doing that outside until the snow falls. Once that happens, I will have to resort to my treadmill.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/266366907731550208
By training for a running race.
I plan on taking it easy on the hydrogenated fats and taking walks..thanks for the great giveaway
tweet: https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/266950905092517889
I plan to stay healthy by eating healthy and running as much as possible!
tweet https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/267393396279214081
I am walking 3 times a week. eating healthy foods and staying away from fast food.
marybug2@yahoos
I also tweeted
https://twitter.com/marybug2/status/267715568315015169
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
I am going to ramp up my exercise program — go to classes more, walk more, etc.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/267819202793050112
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I am trying to stay healthy by watching my eating and not over eating all the amazing fall and holiday treats
Tweeted https://twitter.com/SAHMofDQ/status/267860795671580672