Fall Into Fitness: 10 Ways to Stay Active This Fall

Fall is here…well, almost here. I mean, it’s not like it’s 90 degrees or insanely humid today or anything. Oh wait, it is.

Ugh. Even though this sweltering heat has banished us mostly indoors, I will not let it put a damper on my excitement for Fall. The weather will turn eventually, and when it does I’ll be ready with pumpkins, and pumpkin spice, and back to school, and apple pie and all sorts of Fall-related dishes and desserts and activities.

Speaking of back to school, W started preschool for the first time.

Excuse me while I go cry in the corner. 

I thought I was going to be a  sobbing mess, missing his cute, little self the entire time he was away, but I took it rather well, surprisingly. I missed him of course, but I had such a nice time playing with Sweet P and W was so happy about school. It made the whole transition easier than I expected (not to mention an extra hour of free time while Sweet P took her morning nap). 

W has only been in school a week, but I’m finding I have a lot more time to focus on fitness. The first day of school, I was able to take Sweet P on a nice run before the heat set in later on in the week. So, here’s a fun list of 10 ways you can stay active this fall. I can’t wait to get started!

Fall Into Fitness: 8 Ways to Stay Active This Fall

1. Hiking

My brother and sister-in-law recently moved out of the city to the country. I have always been really into city living, but I have to admit their gorgeous pictures of all the hiking they have been doing around their home has made me slightly jealous. Fortunately, you don’t have to go too far to find some good hiking spots.

I joined a great group called “Hike It Baby 30.” It’s a challenge to get outside with your baby (or toddler or kid) and walk 30 miles in 30 days. It’s a lot of fun, and there are groups all around the country.

2. Head to the farm 

One of my favorite things to do during Fall is head to a local farm to pick some fruit. We really love going to Solebury Orchards for apples. The apples are tasty and they have a great sandbox the kids love to play in. And, it’s not fall unless you’ve gone pumpkin picking. W is really into all things Halloween this year, so he is beyond excited to head out there. Once you have the pumpkin, you can use it as a decoration or repurpose it and use it to workout. Those things aren’t light!

3. Yard work

Alright this one isn’t as much fun as the others, but it’s still a great way to stay active and get outside. You can burn a lot of calories raking up all those leaves in your yard. It’s also a good idea to prepare your yard for winter. There are some yard work ideas for your fall to-do list from Bounce Energy.

4. Play some sports 

As Good Papa reminds me constantly, fall is all about football. How about instead of vegging out watching it on the couch, you get out there and play your own game instead? There are lots of community leagues around the country. You could also sign up for kick ball or soccer. If you must watch football, be sure to keep moving during commercial breaks or try out my Football Workout. 

5. Sign up for a 5K

Fall is definitely the season for runners. You’ll notice 5ks and marathons popping up all over. Take a look and find a local 5k to run. You don’t even have to be runner. Most 5Ks have an option for walkers. Check out Active for some 5k races near you. If you just can’t get into running, be sure to read How to Like Running When You Hate It before you completely dismiss it.

6. Head to the local museums 

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. If you are interested in taking a trip to a local museum, September is the month to go. Kids are back in school, but teachers aren’t quite ready to head out for field trips. It’s a great time to hit up the zoo or museum. Here are some of the local places we plan on visiting this fall…

• The Morris Arboretum
• The Academy of Natural Sciences
• The Philadelphia Zoo

7. Head to the Park 

With the kids back in school, now is a great time to head to the local park. There are lots of fun “park workouts” to try, and with the kids not around, you won’t have to worry about all the strange looks you’ll get while attempting to do a pull-up on the monkey bars. The Greatist has a pretty good park workout you can try or you can go for this park bench workout from The Fit Foodie Mama.

8. Get cooking 

There are so many delicious foods that come into season during Fall. Pumpkins and apples, of course, but what about beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, squash and sweet potatoes. Shopping for, preparing and cooking your dinner takes a lot more energy than ordering take out. Stop by your local farmer’s market for some fresh produce.

**Bottom Line**

Fall is a beautiful time of year. The foliage is gorgeous; the weather is perfect. Don’t let it go to waste. Exercise doesn’t have to look like your traditional exercise. Get out there, get active and enjoy this wonderful season.