Hey, have you noticed the leaves doing their whole magical color-changing thing? Yep, it's that time of year when everything gets a bit more orangey-red, and honestly, it's giving us life. Plus, it's pumpkin season (as if you could miss it, right?).

Over here at Revolution, we're all about mixing up those fall vibes with our workouts and meals. So why not toss a little bit of that fall spice into your gym sesh and onto your plate? Let's get cozy and strong this season! 🍁🎃

The Pumpkin Patch of Nutrition

Okay, okay, I can practically hear the eye rolls from here... but hear me out. You might be team "pumpkin everything" or more "thanks, but no thanks" when it comes to the annual PSL takeover, but let's chat about why pumpkin itself is pretty awesome, regardless of the hype. Seriously, it's like a little orange treasure chest of nutrients! 🎃

Pumpkins are more than just jack-o'-lanterns; they're a powerhouse of nutrition. This fall staple is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which makes it an excellent choice for fueling your body pre or post-workout. And let's not forget the seeds – a perfect snack packed with protein, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Revolutionary Pumpkin Recipes:

• Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie Blend a scoop of vanilla protein powder, a cup of pureed pumpkin, a banana, a dash of pumpkin spice, and almond milk for a muscle-repairing post-workout treat.

• Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad Mix diced roasted pumpkin with cooked quinoa, kale, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds for a hearty lunch that'll keep you energized all afternoon.

• Savory Pumpkin Soup Cook up a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup with onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and a touch of coconut milk for a creamy and satisfying evening meal.

• Ingredients

·        3 tablespoons coconut oil

·        10-12 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped

·        1 small yellow onion, diced

·        2 cloves garlic, minced

·        2 large celery stalks, chopped

·        3 cups pumpkin puree

·        6 cups broth

·        1 can full-fat coconut milk

·        salt, to taste

·        pepper, to taste

• Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sage and onions to the pot and saute until the onions are translucent.

2. Add garlic to the pot and continue to cook for a couple more minutes. Next, add the celery and cook for 5 more minutes.

3. Add the pureed pumpkin to the pan, and stir to evenly distribute it among the other vegetables. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Once done cooking, use an immersion blender to puree soup (if you don’t have an immersion blender, you can also puree in batches in the blender). Add coconut milk and blend again briefly just to combine the ingredients and the soup’s color is consistent.

5. Garnish with pepitas, sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil and serve warm.

Fall into Fitness with Seasonal Workouts

Fall brings cooler weather, making outdoor workouts more enjoyable and less of a sweaty ordeal. It's the perfect season to take your fitness routine outside and enjoy the crisp air.

Autumn Fitness Tips:

• Harvest Hikes Take advantage of the beautiful scenery with a hike. Navigating through uneven terrain engages more muscles than walking on a flat surface, providing a comprehensive workout.

• Leaf Raking Revolution Who said chores can't be a workout? Raking leaves is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and work those arms and core muscles. Plus, it's satisfying!

• Pumpkin Bootcamps Incorporate pumpkin into your workouts. Use a medium-sized pumpkin for a unique twist on squats, lunges, and overhead presses. It's the perfect seasonal resistance tool!

• Spooky Sprint Intervals Get in the Halloween spirit with themed interval training. Sprint as if you're escaping from a haunted maze and recover by walking through an imaginary pumpkin patch.

• Restorative Yoga Among the Leaves Practice yoga under a canopy of colorful trees. Focus on your breath and the natural surroundings to enhance mindfulness and recovery.

At Revolution Strength and Conditioning, we're committed to integrating the joy of the season into our fitness philosophy. We believe that wellness is a lifestyle that adapts and flourishes with the rhythms of nature and the community. Join us for themed classes or community events, and let's celebrate the season of change together.

Remember, embracing a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean skipping the festive treats of the season. It's about balance, creativity, and enjoying the journey with every sip and every step. So, grab that pumpkin (or a spoon!) and let's get moving – the Revolution way! 🎃💪

In fact, one of our area's favorites is the annual Oktoberfest at Four Peaks Brewing Co. & Tempe Sister Cities. This year it’s October 11-13, 2024. Go for the workout of their Runnin’ for the Brats 10k, 5k and 1k race and stay for some great beer, laughs, and memories.

Ready to give it a go? Swing by Revolution Strength and Conditioning and let's craft your perfect fall fitness plan together. And don't forget to snag one of our delicious pumpkin recipes to nourish your body and delight your taste buds!

Ready to get back into the gym but need help figuring out how to start? How about starting with a FREE CLASS PASS! Embrace a community that motivates you to lift, move, and challenge yourself in new ways. It's time to reclaim your best shape ever with Revolution Strength and Conditioning by your side.