Trying to avoid the holiday weight gain? Bored with the same workout routine? Still trying to get those 10,000 steps a day? Don’t wait until the New Year to revamp or restart those fitness goals. It can be fun to change up your exercise routine and pairing the change with the seasons can add variety. Below are some great ways to change up your physical activity this fall.

1. Hiking: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures, less bugs, and the leaves changing colors. There are more than 20 MetroParks around Ohio with walking and hiking trails, ready to explore.
2. Walking: Lace up your tennis shoes, or make sure you update an old pair from the spring. Walking is an easy and convenient form of exercise. Now that the temperature has dropped, no need to worry about excess sweating. Enjoy a quick walk during a lunch break, take the family to walk around the pumpkin patch or apple orchard. You can even try walking during half time of the football games.
3. Exercise while watching T.V.: Gearing up for the fall premiers of your favorite TV shows? Hop on cardio equipment while watching or grab some resistance bands and fit in some resistance training during commercial breaks.
4. Exercise during sports practice: Fall is the time when children are returning to school and sports which can make for a very busy schedule. Walk around the field while at a sports practice or take a jump rope and fit in a few five to ten minutes sessions.
5. Clean around the house: Instead of spring cleaning, focus on fall cleaning. On average a 150 pound person can burn 273 calories raking leaves or washing windows for an hour.  Dusting blinds, light fixtures, and all those hard to reach places can help you burn 136 calories an hour. Cleaning up the garden to prepare for cooler temperature can help you burn 341 per hour.

For more tips and strategies to making changes during this season, sign up for the four-week group health coaching series “Touchdown for Wellness” starting on Thursday October 10 at noon.  During this four-week series, Health Coach Michael will talk about creating healthy tailgate foods, incorporating more physical activity after the game is over, and ways to manage stress that can often happen during the fall, especially during the big game. Click here to sign up today.