Clocks moved back, and it’s starting to get chilly out there, eh? Dark both early AND late? Come ON! It’s like fitness sabotage, right? Not so fast there, mama. We’ve reached that time, the beginning of the end. The end of the year, the end of resolve, the end of motivation. Just the end. People around this time start to hibernate, or go the other way and attend more parties (complete with cheese platters, dessert buffets, and of course, wine and festive cocktails). No time to exercise, they say. From Halloween-the beginning of candyfest-to January 2, most of us become consumed by holidays, joy, and tasty treats.

But not us!! Instead of throwing in the towel, let’s look at some options for late fall fitness. Sunlight, and consequently vitamin d, are key components to healthy living for us northerners. So get out midday with your stroller and a friend, and power up some hills. You should be finding it a bit hard to chat midway through the workout-this means that you are working at the proper intensity level. Find a park and challenge yourself to do some step-ups on benches, squats, pushups, and planks with intervals of jumping jacks or high knee jogging in between (yes, those can be made low impact-drop me a line and I’ll explain all of the details). Enjoy the crisp air, sunshine, and the endorphin rush as you finish the workout. Your mood, energy level, and fitness level will all reap the benefits of a simple power walk in the autumn air.

Sometimes, it’s a bit more challenging to get out midday, be it work, weather, or logistics. Find a gym with childcare and get yourself in there. Shameless plug forthcoming: for those of you in the Brookline area, PEAPOD FITNESS has moved into Bodyscapes Fitness on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner. They provide fitness training for moms to be, new moms, seasoned moms, or even those who are thinking about being moms. Bring your baby in for some quality time with little playmates-they have a wonderful space with professional babysitting services-or bring them into class. Plus, they have a garage for those “simply must drive” days. Check out www.ppodfitness.com for more info.

Just can’t make it to the gym? Bring the gym to you. Carve out a small space in your home, and dance the day away. Or follow along to a fitness dvd. Or FIT-TV. It has been proven that fitness improves not only physical health, but 20 minutes a day is enough to boost your mood, increase energy levels, and keep you feeling strong and empowered all day. If THAT’S not enough, think of fitness as a weapon to combat the calorie creep of the holidays. Start the New Year feeling healthy and strong. Start your fitness routine NOW. And resolve to do OTHER things when the clock strikes 12.