Finding Your Fall Groove
Autumn Equinox Wellness Hacks
Hey gym besties!
Happy September! Where did the year go? Are you already in fall mode? I personally am stretching my summer days as long as possible – I live for warm days and late sunsets. But unfortunately LA has other plans.
The one thing I do love about the autumn equinox (that time of year when day and night balance out before the days slowly get shorter), is that it always feels like a natural time to reset. Maybe it’s the change in weather, maybe it’s the inner student in me that is programmed for “back to school” season, maybe it’s because the end of the year is finally in sight. One thing is for sure: September feels like a natural time to refocus and hone in on my 2025 goals.
Last year I shared some “back-to-fitness” tips to jumpstart the season, so this year I want to build on that theme and talk about a few ways to get back into a groove, lean into the season, and invest in yourself.
If you’re like me and summer felt a little off-track, this is your chance to realign.
Fresh Season, Fresh Habits
The spring-fall transition is like pressing a big seasonal reset button. Ask yourself: What’s one small change I could make right now that would set me up for success this fall?
Here are a few easy wins:
Move in the morning: Cooler mornings = perfect for a walk, jog, or 10-minute stretch before the day kicks off.
Lock in your sleep schedule: Shorter days make it easier to wind down earlier, lean into that and see how it feels.
Sunday prep nights: Batch a few meals or snacks so you’ve got healthy fuel ready to go when life gets busy (we’ll get into some recipe ideas below).
I say it every month but little shifts like these can add up fast.
Don’t Waste the Light
September evenings are golden. It’s that sweet spot where it’s still warm enough to be outside, but not sweltering.
Use it to your advantage:
Do your workouts outdoors (bodyweight circuits at the park, anyone?)
Walk after dinner with a friend, partner, or the dog
Soak up those last few weeks of daylight savings—it’ll keep your energy and mood high
Eat With the Season
Your body craves different things as the weather cools, and fall produce is loaded with nutrients that help you recover, stay energized, and boost immunity.
Some of my favorites include:
Apples & pears: great snacks, also amazing baked or in oats.
Squash & sweet potatoes: cozy carbs that fuel workouts.
Leafy greens: spinach, kale, and chard for vitamins and minerals.
Root veggies: beets, carrots, turnips for endurance + anti-inflammatory benefits.
Here are a few recipes that incorporate the above ingredients for extra nourishment and yum-factor:
Autumn Power Bowl
Quinoa or rice base
Roasted butternut squash + kale + chickpeas
Pumpkin seeds + a drizzle of tahini-lemon dressing
Spiced Apple Overnight Oats
Rolled oats + almond milk
Grated apple, cinnamon, chia seeds
Bonus: scoop of protein powder for a filling breakfast
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash
Olive oil, yellow onion, salt, pepper, garlic, vegetable broth
Fresh sage, rosemary + ginger
Workout of the Month: Equinox Energizer
This quick full-body circuit is perfect for outdoors (backyard, park, or driveway) or at home. All you need is yourself!
Do each move for 40 seconds, rest 20 seconds, and repeat the whole circuit 3-4 rounds:
Optional: Finish with a brisk 10–15 minute walk outside to soak up that autumn air.
Final thoughts
The autumn equinox is all about balance. Think of this season as your chance to find your own balance between routine and flexibility, strength and recovery, discipline and joy.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to restart your workouts, get consistent with nutrition, or just take better care of yourself… this is it.
Let’s step into fall strong together.
