by Cyndi Li

Created on: October 14, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Autumn is a great time of year to get in some exercise. There's so much going on both outdoors and indoors and you don't have the heat and humidity of summer to contend with. It's truly one of the best times of year for working out. Put some of these activities into action to keep the pounds off and your body in shape.

Outdoors

Put on your walking shoes, grab a sweater out of the closet and hit the trails. Many communities have nature preserve areas that have trails running through then. If yours doesn't, consider walking through your local park or along the beach front.

Form a community walking night. Set one night a week aside and invite your neighbors, friends and family to walk around the neighborhood. It's a great way to get to know each other and the kids can come too.

Take in the beautiful fall foliage while you trek along on your bike. Bike riding is one of the best forms of exercise. Not only do you shape and tone your entire body while burning calories, you strength your balancing abilities.

How about a nice long hike? There is a state park in my neck of the woods. It has trails, natural rock formations, steep hills and cliffs. Find an area like this in your community or close by, pack some water and nutritious snacks and head out. Be sure to wear a watch. If you hike 2 hours in, you'll need at least that much time to hike back out. Be conscious of the time so you can make it out before sunset, and always let someone other than your hiking partner know where you went and what time to expect you back.

How good are you with a rake? If you want to work your arms, abs and legs, grab a rake and start making piles. You'll get a workout and your lawn will get a much needed manicure.

Are you ready for some football? Ok, it may not be the big leagues, but a little flag football with the kids will get the old pumper pumping and burn some calories.

Inside

As far as what sort of workout you can do indoors the skies the limit. The outside temperature is a cool 65-70 degrees, and summer's humidity is no where to be found. Open those windows in your home. Let that brisk autumn air inside and take your pick.

Now that it's not so hot in the mornings and you can move without breaking into a sweat, create a combination of exercises that target the areas of your body you want to strengthen and tone; maybe some push-ups, squats or jumping jacks. Whatever works for you and the time you have. Throw a mat on the floor and work-out for 15 or 20 minutes every 2-3 days.

Give your home one more good cleaning before shutting it up for the winter. How is that a workout? Did I forget to mention putting weights on your ankles? Pop a workout DVD in and follow along. Lift some weights. Rearrange the furniture in your living room. Climb up and down your stairwell. As long as whatever you choose to do increases your heart rate you'll burn calories and tone your body.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year; unlike any other. There's plenty of opportunity for working out as you enjoy the beauty that can only be seen during this crisp and brilliant time of year.

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