Happy October!

After a soggy start to the month here in New York, I say bring on the crisp, cool days of autumn! As the leaves start to fall and we lose a little more daylight with each passing day, it’s also a time to welcome some new ways to get the heart pumping.

If you’ve been craving a little spice in your fitness routine, all you have to do is turn to Mother Nature for inspiration. Here are a few ways to add some fun to your fall fitness routine:

• ‘Tis the season for kayaking, canoeing, rowing and horseback riding! If you live near the water, look for clubs that offer fall water sports. Along with enjoying some scenery, you’ll get the added benefit of squeezing some cardio and upper body strength training. Horseback riding helps build lower body strength while taking in the beauty of a brightly-colored trail. If you’re a city dweller like me, consider trying a rowing class or at least adding a 500-meter sprint on the rowing machine to your gym routine.
• Make those chores work for you! Did you know a 150-pound person can burn up to 135 calories by raking leaves for 30 minutes? Turn raking leaves into a family activity to have some fun with the kids, too!
• Outdoor bootcamps, anyone? Check out opportunities to workout in local parks or other outdoor hot spots before the colder temps and darker days chase us indoors. Depending on the intensity of the class, these full-body workouts can burn up to nearly 500 calories an hour.
• Adjust the time you workout: I don’t know about you, but as it gets darker, it’s harder for me to get motivated in the evenings. While I’m adjusting to the lack of sunlight, I try to get my workouts over with pre-work if possible. Check if there are morning group classes that fit your fancy. Not only can the group dynamic offer a boost of motivation, but you’ll start the day with a shot of endorphins to keep the energy up at work or wherever the day takes you. Also, by working out in the morning, you can welcome the tired feeling that creeps up on you earlier than usual and spend your evenings relaxing or enjoying down time with family and friends.

So what’s your fall fitness plan? Let me know! Whatever you do, remember this: sometimes all you need is a little help from Mother Nature to help you find new ways to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!