Pumpkin spice and pull-ups!

Summer may still technically be here until later in the month, but pumpkin-flavored beverages are officially everywhere and that basically means it's fall — or is that just us? Either way, it's no excuse to slack on your summertime fitness regimen! If you haven't exactly been sticking to a routine, there's no better time to get back into it. 

To keep you on track, we've rounded up some of the roadblocks that can sabotage a fitness goal we've all had at one point or another: rock-solid abs. Whether that means a visible six-pack or a strong foundation for the rest of the movements you do in the gym, everyone should strive to strengthen these necessary muscles. 

A new month also means a new fitness quest, and this time the exercise you'll master is ... pull-ups! Are they hard? Yes. Are they impressive? Also yes. Angela Gargano, our summer cover and repeat American Ninja Warrior competitor, teaches you everything she knows about the simple yet taxing exercise. And trust us, she knows a lot. 

And of course, don't neglect nutrition. Whether you need to brush up on your overall knowledge or are looking to follow a plan, we've always got you covered when it comes to eating for your fitness goals.

Stay strong, Oxygen fam! 

— Rose McNulty, Senior Digital Editor

7 Mistakes You're Making in Your Ab Routine

No one ever said building a bulletproof core or sculpting six-pack abs would be easy. Even so, fitness junkies of all experience levels often make it even harder than it has to be without even realizing it.

Since a strong core provides a solid base for virtually every other exercise and movement you do in everyday life, it’s an important aspect of your overall fitness. Strengthening these muscles is one of the best things you can do if you want to stay injury-free in the long run.

Some of the most common core-training mistakes go far beyond the actual exercises you’re doing. Therefore, a deeper understanding of what’s going on from a nutrition, genetic and anatomical perspective is crucial to see where you’re falling short on your journey to chiseled abs.

Here, we’ll take you through some common blunders and the mechanisms behind building a concrete core.

Avoid these common missteps »

WORKOUTS

Fitness Quest: Double Your Pull-Ups in 30 Days

Outside+

NUTRITION

The Athlete's Guide to Vitamin D

SPONSORED CONTENT

Is Your High-Intensity Workout Draining Your Energy?

Articles from across the network:

Vitamins and Minerals That Work Better Together

Outside+

Taking your vitamins and supplements is a little more complicated than you might think. Before you take your next serving, find out which vitamins and minerals you should pair together to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck. — From Clean Eating

Why Your Work Ethic May Be Sabotaging Your Success

The most disciplined runners know how to not to always do the max. Here's how to nurture one of the skills that can separate those who achieve long-term success from those whose careers are often plagued by injury. — From Women's Running

6 Yoga Practices for Anyone Who Does a Whole Lot of Sitting

Sitting all day can do a number on your body and mind. These practices will help you work out the kinks in your back, relax your stiff shoulders, and create space in your mind and body. — From Yoga Journal

Remember to use your Outside+ login to get exclusive access to workout plans, our video exercise library and more across the Outside Network!