9 Fun Fitness Options To Mix Up Your Fall Routine

Whether you bike through the city, along a quiet bike path or on mountain trails, biking is a great way to take in the beautiful fall views and get a great workout in. You could even incorporate biking into your commute for added efficiency.

If you don’t love doing sprints on a treadmill or running in circles on a track, take your typical gym time outdoors to a bike path or hiking trail near you. Trail running allows you to slow down and take in the nature around you as you make your way down a more challenging, winding path.

Now is a great time of year to sign up for some fun runs near you. You’ll find plenty of themed runs for the holidays, whether it’s a Thanksgiving morning 5K or a harvest-themed half-marathon. As a bonus, you’ll usually find plenty of seasonal treats available to enjoy after the race!

Not into running? No problem! Lace up your sturdiest books or sneakers and hit the trails for an invigorating hike. This is a great way to get exercise and spend time in nature before the weather gets uncomfortably cold.

Running and lifting weights aren’t the only way to get your heart rate up! Fall yard work is a great way to break a sweat and strengthen your muscles. Rake up leaves vigorously, trim excess branches and clean the gutters. Your yard will be prepped for winter, and you’ll get a nice workout in.

Like yard work, gardening is another sneaky and fun way to exercise. From hauling mulch around your garden to dividing up plants, weeding, composting and planting new seeds, there’s a lot of physical movement involved with this activity. Plus, gardening helps you get more in touch with the changing seasons.

There’s never a wrong time of the year for yoga! In fact, it can feel especially invigorating to practice hot yoga and then step outside into the crisp, autumn air. Or, if the weather permits, enjoy the last warm days of the year and practice outdoors in your yard or at a local park.

When it starts getting a little too cold to spend much time outdoors, you can get a similar sensation by joining an indoor climbing gym. Embrace your inner child as you climb around the rock walls and challenge yourself to reach new heights.

Many rec centers and gyms offer excellent indoor pools, so you can enjoy a dip in the water, no matter the weather. Swimming is a great full-body workout, and it can feel refreshing to do this exercise in the cooler parts of the year. Just remember to bring warm clothes to change into after you’ve wrapped up your workout!