Ready to embrace more outdoor fitness as the weather cools off this fall? You’re not alone. Cooler temperatures and beautiful settings of colorful fall foliage make outdoor fall fitness a must. More and more people will take their typical workout routine al fresco this fall, whether it’s joining an outdoor yoga class or participating in a pickup game of tag football.

If you’re heading outside to stay fit, don’t forget these important tips and reminders:

Safety

Colder weather, shorter days, increased holiday traffic – all of these factors add up to potential safety hazards when it comes to fall fitness. Make sure to:

Monitor weather: Stay on top of weather forecasts when you plan on working out outside. You never know when a cold snap, sudden hail storm, or potentially slippery conditions might sneak up on you. Smartphone apps like Weather.com or DarkSky can give you a quick glimpse into your local forecast and upcoming weather concerns.

Wear layers: It’s easier to pull off a second shirt after you warm up than it is to find more clothing when you’re working out and suddenly feel a chill. Layering up gives you the freedom to control your body temperature and spend as much time as you want exercising and playing sports outdoors.

Hydrate: You may not feel as thirsty when you’re not working out under a blazing summer sun, but that doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need just as much hydration. Don’t forget to stay on top of drinking sufficient amounts of water before, during, and after a workout.

Fall offers a beautiful backdrop for outdoor fitness activities and provides a unique opportunity to embrace the changing seasons. Here are some trending fall fitness activities to consider:

  1. Hiking: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage by going on hikes in local parks or nature reserves. Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a full-body workout.
  2. Trail Running: If you’re a runner, consider switching from road running to trail running in the fall. The uneven terrain and scenic trails can make your runs more engaging and challenging.
  3. Pumpkin Workouts: Incorporate pumpkins into your workouts for a seasonal twist. You can use pumpkins as weights for squats, lunges, and other strength training exercises.
  4. Apple Picking: While not a traditional workout, apple picking involves walking, stretching, and reaching, which can provide low-intensity physical activity. Plus, you get to enjoy fresh apples as a healthy reward.
  5. Group Fitness Classes: Look for outdoor group fitness classes like boot camps, yoga, or Pilates that are specifically designed for the fall season. These classes often take place in parks or open spaces.
  6. Obstacle Course Races: Participate in obstacle course races or mud runs that are scheduled during the fall. These events provide a challenging and fun way to test your fitness and teamwork skills.
  7. Geocaching: Combine fitness with a treasure hunt by trying geocaching. This GPS-based activity involves searching for hidden containers or “caches” in outdoor locations.
  8. Fall Sports: Join a local recreational league for fall sports like flag football, soccer, or ultimate frisbee. These team sports are a great way to stay active and socialize.
  9. Outdoor Workouts: Continue your regular workout routines but move them outdoors to enjoy the fall weather. You can do bodyweight exercises, yoga, or even high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in your local park.
  10. Foliage Walks: Simply taking leisurely walks through parks or along scenic trails to enjoy the fall foliage can be a wonderful way to stay active during the season.
  11. Cycling: The low-impact nature of cycling doesn’t mean it’s not a great workout. Engaging key leg muscle groups but without the impact of running keeps you in shape while giving your knees a break.
  12. Rowing: Maybe swimming in colder water doesn’t sound like fun, but rowing definitely can be! Rowing is a growing fitness trend that offers a full body workout, engaging muscle groups from your arms and core to your back and legs. Find rowing groups near you to join on MeetUp.com or check with your local gym.
  13. Outdoor Yoga: Enhance an avid yoga routine with refreshing outdoor practice this fall. Take your own individual practice out into a park or even your own front yard, or sign up for an outdoor yoga class offered near you. Incorporate new yoga styles and new props (blocks, blankets, and yoga straps) for added variety too.

Diet & Nutrition

Incorporating more staples from the seasonal fall harvest will do your body (and mind) good when it comes to enhancing your workout.

Winter squash like acorn and butternut squash are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but high in potassium, making them a must-have superfood addition to your post workout meal plan.

Apples generate loads of Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, and while offered year round in most grocery stores, are freshest from local sources in the fall.

Pumpkin seeds might seem like a froo froo foodie fad, but they actually bear a significant amount of nutritional value. Nutrients like magnesium, fiber, and even protein are packed into these little powerhouses, not to mention Omega-3s!

Kale and other cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and brussel sprouts are fall staples that offer appreciable amounts of vitamins C, K, and B-6 in addition to fiber, iron, choline, and calcium.

A little creativity can go a long way this fall in adding color and variety to your workout routine. Incorporate fun outdoor exercises into your weekly regimen, join seasonal and holiday athletic charity events like walkathons and 5Ks, and even turn raking leaves into a way to burn calories and work out muscles – the ideas are endless.