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Article written by Jane Cuszac 9/1/2024
As the crisp air and colorful foliage of fall arrive, it’s the perfect time to adjust your fitness routine to match the season. Fall provides a unique opportunity to combine the benefits of cooler temperatures and beautiful outdoor settings with effective workouts. Here are four of the best fall workouts to help you stay fit and motivated as the seasons change.
1. Trail Running: Embrace the Autumn Landscape
Fall is an ideal time for trail running, with cooler temperatures making the experience more enjoyable and the changing leaves providing a stunning backdrop. Trail running not only offers a great cardiovascular workout but also challenges your balance and strength as you navigate uneven terrain.
Benefits:
- Improved Cardiovascular Fitness: Trail running boosts heart health and endurance.
- Strengthens Lower Body: The varied terrain works different muscles, including your quads, hamstrings, and calves.
- Mental Health Boost: The natural beauty and tranquility of fall landscapes can reduce stress and improve mood.
When trail running in the Fall, don’t forget- safety first! Due to the sun setting earlier as we move closer to winter, I recommend picking yourself up a head lamp. This is a super cheap one I found on Amazon.
2. Outdoor HIIT Workouts: Maximize Your Time
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for fall, allowing you to maximize your workout time with short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. The cooler weather prevents overheating and enhances performance. You can perform HIIT workouts in parks or any outdoor space, utilizing benches, stairs, or open fields for exercises.
Benefits:
- Efficient Calorie Burn: HIIT workouts can burn a high number of calories in a short period.
- Increased Metabolism: The afterburn effect (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) helps continue burning calories even after the workout.
- Flexibility: You can tailor HIIT workouts to your fitness level and preferences.
Sample Workout:
- 30 seconds of sprinting or high knees
- 15 seconds of rest
- 30 seconds of bodyweight squats
- 15 seconds of rest
- 30 seconds of push-ups
- 15 seconds of rest
- Repeat the cycle for 20-30 minutes.
3. Cycling: Enjoy the Fall Scenery
Cycling is an excellent fall workout that combines cardiovascular benefits with the joy of exploring new routes. The cooler temperatures make long rides more comfortable, and the fall foliage provides a scenic experience. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, fall is a fantastic time to hit the trails or roads. I highly recommend to get a reflective vest like this one from Amazon. They will keep you visible and safe when cycling!
Benefits:
- Cardiovascular Health: Cycling strengthens your heart and lungs.
- Low Impact: It’s gentle on the joints compared to high-impact exercises.
- Mental Refreshment: The changing landscape can make your workout feel more like an adventure.
4. Yoga in the Park: Find Balance Amidst Nature
Yoga in the park during fall combines the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the calming presence of nature. The cooler weather makes outdoor yoga more comfortable, and practicing amidst the fall colors can enhance relaxation and mindfulness. I recommend pinking yourself up a very basic yoga mat- this is one I found on Amazon. Super affordable, nothing fancy.
Benefits:
- Flexibility and Strength: Yoga improves flexibility, balance, and core strength.
- Stress Relief: The practice promotes relaxation and reduces stress through deep breathing and mindfulness.
- Connection with Nature: Practicing yoga outdoors can enhance the sense of tranquility and connection with the environment.
Tips:
- Bring a yoga mat or blanket for added comfort.
- Choose a spot with a nice view to enhance your relaxation and focus.
Making the Most of Your Fall Workouts
As you dive into these fall workouts, keep the following in mind to optimize your fitness routine:
Layer Your Clothing: Dress in moisture-wicking layers that you can easily remove or add as needed.
Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler weather, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts. Here is the Owala water bottle I use (I love the fall colors)!
Warm Up and Cool Down: Properly warming up and cooling down helps prevent injuries and aids in recovery.
Embracing these fall workouts allows you to stay active and engaged while enjoying the beauty of the season. Whether you’re hitting the trails, pushing through HIIT sessions, cycling through picturesque routes, or finding peace in outdoor yoga, fall offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance your fitness and well-being. So, step outside, take advantage of the crisp air, and make the most of this vibrant season! Please check out the products we listed, all funds go to supporting our business and writers.
