I just love this time of the year: the leaves are changing, there is a slight nip in the air, and you’d be hard pressed not to find a fun festival to attend. I also love Autumn because of all the fitness options. It’s not so hot you don’t want to be outside and not too cold that you can’t be outside: Autumn is typically filled with perfect days to get outside and be active. And even if the idea of being sweating in the great outdoors isn’t your cup of tea, this time of the year offers many great indoor fitness options. Many consider Autumn a time for new beginnings (new school year, new season, etc.) and as such it’s the perfect time to amp up your fitness routine. The more you think about it, Autumn and fitness just go hand in hand.


If the weather is cooperative, walking, hiking and cycling are all wonderful Autumn fitness activities. The beautiful views created by the changing leaves and the cooler temperatures encourage you to go longer and push yourself a little harder. Autumn also brings smaller crowds to the beach. So if you live near a coast, now is the perfect time to run along the beach, play volleyball or even have a vigorous game of fetch with your pooch. If you're near a lake, try kayaking or canoeing, for an excellent whole-body workout and since it’s off-season, the water should be less crowded than during the summer.

Autumn is a great time to try a new fitness class. Many fitness classes such boot camp, yoga or tae-bo start up new sessions each month. By engaging in a new exercise activity, you will not only be forcing your body to work harder, but it will stimulate your brain and who knows, it may even end up being your next favorite thing. Use the “new year” sentiment to get out of your fitness routine and think outside the box.

Autumn fitness doesn’t necessarily have to mean traditional exercise; raking leaves, cleaning gutters and other yard work is a great way to get your heart rate up and work some often over-looked muscles. After raking the yard all day, trust me, you’ll feel it.

For many, Autumn means the start of a new season of their favorite TV shows. The good news is TV-watching doesn’t have to be sedentary. While you watch, you can walk or run in place, do standing lunges, tricep dips off the couch, or lift weights. Force yourself to do push-ups or sit-ups during commercials breaks. In a one-hour show, you probably have close to 20 minutes worth of commercial interruption. If you have a treadmill, set it up near the TV and tell yourself you can only watch as long as you’re moving. There are lots of ways to make the new TV season a fit TV season.

And finally, be sure to get enough rest. Autumn is busy time of the year. We’re often up earlier getting kids ready for school, eating dinner later because of nighttime activities, and as a result our time spent sleeping is reduced. Many studies have shown that during the primary Autumn months of October and November we are less likely to get the seven to eight hours of sleep our body needs. And we all know getting adequate amounts of sleep is the key to keeping ourselves healthy and fit. Now it’s true that not everyone needs eight hours each night, but if you find the only way you can get up is with an alarm clock, chances are you’re probably not getting enough sleep.

Whether it’s attending a new dance class, navigating your local lake via kayak, or just playing in the leaves, Autumn is full of fun fitness options. With the cooler temperatures there are a lot more opportunities for outdoor activities. And for those of us that prefer the great indoors, the fitness options are just as plentiful. Take this time to start your fitness routine anew. Enjoy the spirit of the season; it’ll be winter before you know it.

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