Outdoor Exercises Perfect For Fall

Ah, autumn — the sun is bright, the air is crisp, and the weather is ideal for getting your sweat on outside. If you're looking for fun ways to exercise outside before the snow starts to fall and you get too cold and lazy to do anything except hibernate, you should try these outdoor exercises that are perfect for fall.

When you think about fall, you probably think about apple-picking, pie-baking, pumpkin-carving, and foliage watching — but have you thought about it being the perfect time to kickstart an outdoor exercise plan? Fall is the perfect time to do so thanks to the lovely weather, as well as the fact that it's a time of new beginnings. Whether you're going back to school, signing a new lease, or beginning a new job, fall, for many of us, means starting over again. If you want one, what better way to do that than with a fun, new workout routine?

With the hot months of summer behind us and the soon-to-be frigid days of winter looming in the distance, now is the time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time outside with Mother Nature. Instead of signing up for a gym membership or fighting over a bike at your local spin studio every morning, strap on your sneakers and try one of these 10 outdoor workouts that are perfect for fall weather. Are you up for the challenge?

1. Kayaking

One of the best water activities for fitness, kayaking is a wonderful way to spend time outside this fall, thanks to it being a stress-reducing routine that works your upper body and your core. A relatively low impact activity, its swift movements raise your heart rate enough to help improve your cardiovascular health. Could you think of a better way to take in the fall foliage than in a river's reflection?

2. Trail Running

Sick of jogging in place on the treadmill? Hit the trails just in time for the leaves to change. A fun and unique exercise that provides a unique challenge at every turn, trail running help you not improve your heart health like traditional running, but it will also improve your balance and core strength. Grab a bottle of water, a running buddy (or a four legged friend) and get ready to see autumn in a whole new way.

3. Hiking

If you're not a runner but you want to find a way to workout in the woods, why not give hiking a try? Another activity that is best done with an exercise partner, hiking has more health benefits that your average gym session. Not only does it help you burn over 500 calories an hour, but it can lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, and even lower your cholesterol. Do you really need another reason to head to the hills and take in the beautiful sites?

4. Biking

Whether you take your bike to the paved roads of your city or the dirt paths of the surrounding mountains, fall is the perfect weather for outdoor cycling. A wonderful workout for your entire body, cycling strengthens your muscles while going easy on your joints — and it has even been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. Are you ready to grab your helmet yet?

5. Outdoor Bootcamp

If you want to work out outdoors this fall but still need a little direction, try an instructed bootcamp class at your local park. A high-energy workout that incorporates strength, cardio, and endurance training, bootcamps are a great way to get fit fast while enjoying the fun, fall weather.

6. Yard Work

Want to kill two birds with one stone? Try your hand at yard work. It's a great way to get chores done around the house while simultaneously getting in a great workout. A great cardiovascular exercise complete with squats, lifts, curls, and more, yard work has health benefits that would surprise you. Raking leaves has never seemed so appealing.

7. Backyard Football

Now that you're yard is cleaned up, why not keep your workouts outdoors with a fun game of backyard football? Whether you're watching your favorite NFL team on Sunday and need something to do during halftime, or you want to start a league of your own, a fun game of football with friends is the perfect way to embrace the season and burn calories at the same time.

8. Basketball

Basketball may be a winter sport, but there's no better time to hit the outdoor courts than autumn. Another fun workout to do with friends, basketball builds endurance, and helps with concentration. Not to mention, it requires little equipment — just sneakers, a basketball, and a few of your closest friends who are willing to sweat with you.

9. Hill Sprints

If you want a quick and effective outdoor workout, hill sprints are the thing for you this fall. An exercise that builds both muscular and cardiovascular endurance, hill sprints can help with strength training. A training tip: do them in moderation and allow time for your body to recover. It's an intense routine that will give you a whole new perspective on exercise.

10. Yoga

The perfect workout for any place and any season, yoga is especially wonderful when done outside in the fall. With physical and mental health benefits that range from stress and anxiety relief to increased muscle strength and flexibility, yoga is one of the best exercises you can do for your mind and your body. Why not do it outside with autumn, with a cool breeze and beautiful, colorful leaves as your backdrop?

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