A few ways to get your exercise in during the fall.

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooling, the days are shortening, and the kids are returning to school. Fall is in the air. So don’t sit around inside waiting for it to get too cold to get outside and have fun.

Take advantage of the beautiful weather by exercising outdoors today! Fallen off the weather wagon? Use the change of season to restart your fitness goals.

Whether you’re by yourself or with family and friends, here are some great exercise activities to enjoy during the fall months.

Yard Work

As summer fades and autumn begins, your yard may need some attention. The leaves are falling, flowers are fading, and plants are withering. Did you know that you can burn quite a few calories by doing yard work? Raking leaves for an hour not only improves your home’s curb appeal, but it also increases your upper body strength and gets your heart pumping. A 150-pound person can burn 293 calories an hour raking the yard. So grab your gloves, rakes, and kids, and head out to the yard.

Hiking, Walking, Cycling

If you live in an area of the world that has beautiful fall foliage, get out and enjoy it! If you’re privileged to live near a national forest with hiking trails, take advantage of them by planning a day or weekend trip in the mountains. Find hiking trails that fit you and your family’s abilities. Hiking through the woods is great cardiovascular exercise that targets your lower body and makes it possible for a 150-pound person to burn 409 calories an hour.

Prefer walking or cycling? Great! Find a local walking trail or bike path and head outdoors. You’ll burn calories and fall in love with Mother Nature once again.

Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing

Maybe you live near a lake, river, or ocean. If you have access to a canoe or kayak, take it out on the water. Rowing is an excellent way to get a whole-body workout. Rowing – even at a slow speed – for an hour can burn 205 calories. Pick up the pace to six miles per hour and you can burn 818 calories. Race the kids and you’ve got a fun way to get your recommended amount of exercise.

Take a Class

Fall means the beginning of a new school year. While the kids are in class learning new knowledge, you may be motivated to take a class yourself. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to dance or are interested in joining a Yoga or spin class, now is the time to follow through with your goals! Check with your local gym for opportunities and sign up.

Sports

Many people equate fall with football. Instead of vegging out on the couch to watch other people play sports, get active. It the comfort of your family room in front of the TV, run in place; lift weights; or do some lunges, squats, sit-ups, push-ups, and triceps dips. Too enraptured with your show to break for exercise? Use commercial breaks to get moving.

Getting active is even easier if you have children who are involved in fall athletics. Instead of sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting for practice to be over, walk laps around the field. Once you get started, you’ll probably have another parent joining you.

Of course, you can take your physical activity to the next level by joining a sports team in a recreation league in your community.