As temperatures cool and we move into autumn, you might want to start adapting your exercise routine. You could come out ahead if you take advantage of fall’s fitness opportunities and make plans for how to stay fit as winter inches closer.

Warm up

As temperatures drop, you should spend more time on your warm up before exercising outside to avoid injury. Also, be sure to start out slower than you would in warmer weather so you don’t overexert any of your muscles before they’re warmed up.

Get outside

Fall can be a perfect time to exercise outdoors while the weather is comfortable and the leaves are changing. Enjoy an autumn activity like hiking, sightseeing in a nearby locale on foot, kayaking, bicycling, picking apples or pumpkins, or exploring a corn maze. Consider training for a fall fun run or turkey trot or join an exercise class that’s held outside.

Switch it up

Use the changing seasons as motivation to try something out of your comfort zone, an exercise that works different muscle groups, or an activity that helps you build new skills. For example, you could swim laps at your local gym instead of going on your regular run, focus on some strength training, or take a fun class, such as yoga or martial arts.

Adapt your schedule

Autumn not only bring cooler temperatures but also ushers in shorter days. If you want to continue exercising outdoors, you might have to alter the time of day when you work out so you won’t be exercising before the sun rises or after it sets.

Get some new gear

If you’d prefer not to alter your schedule and plan to walk, run, or perform other outdoor exercises when it’s dark, think about wearing protective reflective gear. You should also choose warmer clothing, such as sweatpants or tights, a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, and perhaps gloves and a hat. Think about getting fitness helpers such as hand weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat, which all are perfect for indoor workouts. You might also need additional gear if you take up a new fitness activity like swimming or a dance class.

Join a team or club

Think about participating in a group fitness activity this fall. Look for a local team or club you can join, such as a running club, flag-football team, or bowling group so you can enjoy some camaraderie and make new friends, all while getting some exercise in.

Do some yard work

You could substitute regular exercise sessions for backyard chores. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or planting fall flowers can all get your heart pumping and work your muscles too. If you put in a few minutes of yardwork a day, both your body and your yard may benefit.

Don’t forget to hydrate

The weather may be cooler and the sun might not feel as hot, but don’t forget to drink plenty of water during your workouts. You might not feel as thirsty when the temperature isn’t as warm, but you still need to replace the fluids you’ll lose as you exercise.

Prepare options

If winters get cold where you live, plan how you will exercise when the weather is too chilly to exercise outside. You could join a gym, enroll in a fitness class, purchase a treadmill or a rower, or follow online fitness influencers for exercise tips and routines.