Oct 27, 2025
With cooler temps and fresh air, outdoor workouts are easier to enjoy. Learn how to stay active, motivated, and safe while taking your exercise outside this season.
If the summer heat kept you indoors, fall is the perfect time to get back outside. Cooler temps make it easier to stick with outdoor workouts. If you enjoy park workouts like running, hiking, biking, or bodyweight circuits, the crisp air can help inspire you to add them back into your fitness routine.
Fall is also a good time to try something new—like trail runs, weekend hikes with the family, or outdoor boot camps. Plus, research suggests that workouts in nature can boost your mood and well-being even more than indoor workouts.
Here are 3 outdoor workout ideas for you and your spouse, family, or workout buddy to try.
Plan a day trip on land or water trails
Fall is an ideal season to plan a day trip that centers around fun outdoor activities. If you live near hiking trails, a park, or a wilderness area, consider organizing a hike or mountain biking outing. Near water? Try canoeing or kayaking. You can also look into local trail runs—many towns host fall races that are both beginner-friendly and scenic.
To get started, check local park websites or trail apps to find routes that match your fitness level. You can count on a full-body workout that is heart-healthy and may help alleviate stress. Outdoor workouts are also a great way to unplug and get back in touch with nature . They’re most often a good fit for the whole family, including teens who may appreciate the challenge.
Try a boot camp in the park
Outdoor boot camps are a great way to stay fit while enjoying the cooler fall weather. These group workouts typically mix strength training, cardio, and bodyweight exercises in a fast-paced, circuit-style format. Held in parks or open spaces, boot camps often use little gear and focus on movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, and sprints.
How to get started:
- Search for local classes through community centers, fitness studios, or mobile apps.
- Explore drop-in options if you’d like to try a session before committing.
- Bring essentials such as water, a mat or towel, and dress in layers—you’ll warm up quickly but may cool down fast after your workout.
- Invite a friend or family member to join you for added drive.
Boot camps are flexible for many fitness levels. Whether you're already active or looking to push yourself, you can set the intensity. Boot camps are also a fun way to meet other people and stay consistent with your workouts as the seasons change.
Plan some touch football or soccer
Set up a friendly game of touch football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, disc golf, or some other team sport with friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family. These kinds of games are a fun way to stay active, build community, and break up your usual workout routine. Choose a local park with open space, bring the gear you need, and invite others to join in.
Make it a weekly or monthly event so this outdoor workout stays blocked off on your schedule. These games offer a great mix of cardio, coordination, and social connection—and they’re easy to adapt for different ages and fitness levels.
Safety tips to keep in mind for your outdoor workouts
No matter the season, safety should always be part of your fitness plan. Start slowly if you have not been active recently. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before starting something new. Don’t hike alone in remote areas. Bring a hiking partner or stick to well-traveled paths. And follow these safety tips:
- Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout your workout.
- Wear reflective gear or lights if you exercise in low light or after dark—shorter daylight hours in the fall can sneak up on you.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, including traffic, uneven terrain, and wildlife, chiefly in wooded or rural areas.
- Keep hydrated, even in cooler weather—your body still loses fluids through sweat and breathing.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out to avoid getting caught in unexpected rain or dropping temps.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen and lip balm containing SPF—UV rays can still be strong in the fall.
- Watch for slippery leaves or wet surfaces, which can increase your risk of slipping or falling.
- Let someone know your route and expected return time, especially if you’re heading into less populated areas.
With a little planning, outdoor workouts can be a fun, energizing way to stay fit and enjoy the fresh air. So grab your gear, head outside, and make movement part of your routine this fall!
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References
American Council on Exercise. (2024, June 7). Green exercise: The benefits of outdoor exercise and how to get started. https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/8658/green-exercise-the-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise-and-how-to-get-started/?srsltid=AfmBOoox-PmVAUGgijJD5E-ArAbnyjtcg5HLVIqwP2gkDA1eDc9xZiTH
Biscontini, L. (2016, April 11). New approaches to boot camps. American Council on Exercise. https://www.acefitness.org/resources/pros/expert-articles/5898/new-approaches-to-boot-camps/?srsltid=AfmBOop_ZhlOeXHSTzSgJg_9JECDUPMe7nDK8YFtFyKdR34AEX2JTsCB
Fisher, J. (2023, December 5). Fall prevention: Strategies to help keep you from falling down. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fall-prevention-strategies-to-help-keep-you-from-falling-down
Graham, K. (2024, June 14). Get out! 5 benefits of outdoor exercise. American Council on Exercise. https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6360/get-out-5-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise
Keck Medicine of USC. (2025, June 28). 6 reasons why team sports are good for your health. https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/6-reasons-why-team-sports-are-good-for-your-health/
Manferdelli, G., La Torre, A., & Codella, R. (2019, May). Outdoor physical activity bears multiple benefits to health and society. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 59(5), 868-879. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.18.08771-6
This article was written by Kimberley Reynolds, edited by Stephanie Ruiz, and clinically reviewed by Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD, MPH, PT, LAT, ATC, CSCS, CSPS, on August 8, 2025.
