5 Fun Ways to Exercise in the Fall

Who doesn't love autumn? The temperatures are crisp and cool and the outdoors beckons.

If you're like most people, you can hardly wait to get outside and absorb the beauty of leaves in an array of brilliant shades. And with the hot days of summer behind, you’ll be able to take your workouts outdoors.

You're more likely to stick with exercise if you make it fun, so here are some ways to turn an autumn workout into something you enjoy!

1. Take a Hike

Did you know hiking can burn up to 500 calories per hour? You can vary your workouts by picking trails with various elevations and inclines in order to build your strength. You can increase the intensity of a hike even more by wearing a backpack.

The beauty of hiking is it doesn't feel like work because you're so busy soaking up the autumn scenery and enjoying the fresh air! Studies show that exercising in a green environment enhances immune health and reduces stress. Trees in the forest release natural chemicals (called phytoncides) that boost the activity of immune cells (called NK cells) which fight viruses.

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2. Tackle a Fitness Trail

Search online for parks that have a fitness trail or path that includes fitness stations. You walk along the trail until you come to a station. As you stop at each one, you'll be challenged to complete a different exercise. For example, you might do ten push-ups at one station and hang from a bar at the next. Each station includes instructions on how to perform the exercise.

By the time you reach the end of the path, you'll have completed a full-body workout and boosted your heart rate too. Like hiking, you can soak up the autumn air and scenery.

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3. Join an Outdoor Bootcamp

Bootcamp workouts are diverse and challenging, and more are being held outdoors. In a bootcamp workout, the instructor leads you through a series of exercises, most of which require no equipment. For example, you launch into a set of push-ups for a minute and jog in place the next.

The classes are challenging but rewarding and you'll work up a sweat while enjoying the fresh air and the camaraderie of other exercisers. Another type of exercise class that is sometimes offered outdoors is yoga classes.

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4. Join a Running Club

Autumn is the perfect time to run outdoors. Some people prefer the silence and meditative aspects of running alone, while others relish the companionship of running with others. Whether you take the solitary route or join a club, crisp autumn air is the perfect backdrop for an outdoor run.

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5. Play at a Park

What could be more gratifying than turning exercise into play? A city or state park has exercise equipment of its own. You can do pull-ups on the monkey bars, dips on a park bench, or even get a workout by swinging on the swings and pumping your legs super hard!

Get a cardio workout by running back and forth between two trees or do a set of jumping jacks when you reach the tree. Mix it up to keep it diverse and interesting.

The Bottom Line

Now you have more ways to stay active this autumn and have fun in the process. Staying active is the smartest move you can make for your health. It's good for you mentally and physically. So, get ready to move!