Indiana’s fresh, cool fall is ideal for a heart-pumping workout. The cool temperatures are a great way to keep you alert and your body temperature cooler, longer even in the most grueling exercises!

Challenges are at the heart of staying healthy, and fall is the best time to put yourself to the test! So, bundle up into your favorite autumn workout clothes—and get away from pounding your feet on treadmills and the constant crash of weights—with seven ways to exercise in the fall!

1. Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and most fun ways to get in an autumn workout! Go for a walk around your neighborhood or one of your favorite local parks, and get those extra steps and movement into your day. Plus, in the fall, there are a ton of fun activities you can do on your walk! Look for apple picking, corn mazes, leaf peeping opportunities, or pumpkin patches around your local area and make your walk a fall extravaganza! Maybe you can even walk to Starbucks and pick up a (skinny) Pumpkin Spice Latte to take your fall theme to whole other level.

2. Biking

With the cool, crisp air and the leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow, fall is a beautiful time to go biking! An hour-long bike ride can burn plenty of calories with little effort from you. Just peddle your heart out! If the weather is a little too chilly for you or the outdoors isn’t really your thing, classes like SPRINT or  RPM are a great way to get the bike ride feel at a more intense—indoor—speed.

3. Hiking

Take a hike! No, really. You should definitely take a hike this fall! Not only are you getting outside and enjoying the beauty of an Indiana fall, but you’re also getting a great workout in! You’ll kick up your cardio and work some major muscles groups—glutes, hamstrings quads, calf muscles, and feet.

4. Running

Running in place on a treadmill can get old fast, especially when you see how beautiful it is outside. Fall is the BEST time to run outdoors! It’s not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket! Want to challenge yourself on your next run? Bring your four-legged friend along and try to keep up with their pace. Have a cause you’re absolutely passionate about? Find a charity near you that supports that cause and sign up for a race! It doesn’t matter if you walk or run a 5k. All that matters is you’re out there exercising and raising money for something you truly care about.

5. Outdoor Sports

Who’s ready to shoot some hoops, score a goal, or make a touchdown? Get a group together—your family or a group of friends—and start a game of soccer, football, basketball, or any other activity you love! Playing a sport with your friends and family is a great way to get outside and work out without feeling like you’re exercising. An hour-long game can get your heart pumping, work multiple muscles groups, and burn off a ton of calories! Win or lose, you’ll have a blast and a fun workout.

6. Trail Runs

Love hiking and running? Try combining them! Going on a trail run is a great way to get your cardio in and take in the beauty of the trails. Plus, with the uneven ground and changing elevation, a trail run can improve your heart health and build muscle! Cardio and strength all in one workout? Why wouldn’t you take advantage? What’s more, a trail run also helps with your balance. Put those yoga skills to good use by dodging uneven ground, rocks, twigs, and sharp turns with your core.

7. Group Classes

Fall is all fun and games until the temperature begins to drop. Finding the motivation to exercise outside can get a lot more difficult when the weather gets chilly and you’re trying to balance work, your kids’ school—and extracurriculars—and a regular workout routine. Escape the cold with a group fitness class! These one-hour workouts are designed to get your heart rate up and give you the opportunity to socialize with your friends in class. Oh, and don’t worry about your kids. If you’re only able to make it to the gym after school, KidZone and Primetime are built to keep your kids safe and having fun while you get your sweat on.

Winter is quickly approaching, so take advantage of the beautiful fall weather before the snow hits! Whether you love to run, walk, bike, hike, or stay indoors with a group fitness class, you can always find new ways to exercise in the fall.

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.