5 Workouts for Looking Fit in Fall Clothes

Though back-to-school season has kicked off, that’s no reason to skip out on staying in shape: We still have a few months to go before we’re buried beneath piles of Abominable Snowman outerwear and tucked into our snoods. Fall’s wardrobe may be more covered up than summer’s, but the new season’s looks still expose necklines, hug hips and thighs, and graze toned torsos. Here are some of our favorite workouts for looking good in transitional layers—and for keeping energy levels up as the days grow shorter.

1. Sculpted Legs for Slim Trousers: Rise Nation
This boutique approach to climbing, which taps into movement patterns innate to the human body, is a new favorite in Los Angeles. “I believe in anything that’s upright because it uses the upper and lower body together,” says New York City–based health and fitness trainer Jaime Morales. “In this workout, you’re burning calories but lengthening your muscles. The thighs will look and feel very narrow.”

2. A Toned Core for Wrap Dresses: Shadowbox
The intense boxing and interval training regimen beloved by models requires constant core engagement in order to stabilize the arms. “The legs are isometrically engaged,” Morales says. “Core, legs, and hips are always working and on fire during punching sequences.” As a result, he says, the obliques and stomach should feel narrow and lean (and look fierce in a fall-friendly DVF wrap frock).

3. Perfect Posture for Slouchy Sweaters: Barre Tribeca
There are few downsides to having good posture, but having fall’s looser looks appear gracefully draped from the body is certainly a bonus. “As a trainer, I love doing burpees and chest pull-ups, but after just one class of barre, my posture feels stronger and longer,” says Morales. “When you hold certain positions for three to five minutes while also gripping the barre, it takes the balance out of it and goes right to muscles and stability. You can’t escape the burn.”

4. Sinewy Arms for Tight Turtlenecks: The Studio (MDR)
There’s something statuesque and chic about a fitted turtleneck (think Jackie Kennedy Onassis, not Steve Jobs). A class like the surprisingly sweaty Studio (MDR) uses the megaformer to gently transition between resistance modes that target different muscles, in particular the biceps and triceps. “When you’re engaging in a side plank, which these classes frequently use, that slow movement work is great to feel the length and strength of the muscles,” explains Morales. “You feel an opening and a stretch under your arms and pecs.”

5. A Better Butt for Denim: DanceBody
Be they boho or boyfriend, jeans simply look better when your behind is boosted. “Dance-based workouts are designed to give your body a long and lean physique, and the best ones incorporate floor work and lifting routines that really work your butt,” explains Morales. “Not only do they shape the butt,” he adds, “but they’re simultaneously slimming down the waist.”

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