Fall Fitness: Top workouts, approved by experts

Whether your summer exercise routine was hardcore, or you didn’t lift anything more strenuous than a poolside frose, the fall season is a perfect time for changing it up. The cooler weather means it’s a good time for those outdoor activities that were just too sweaty in summer. There are also seasonal tasks that will be more easily accomplished if you’re in shape — maybe mowing the lawn, biking to school with the kids, or going hiking.

To find out how to make the best of fall fitness, we asked the team at Aaptiv — the exercise app that offers a no-cost subscription to eligible Haven Term policyholders, via the Haven Life Plus bonus rider — for some physical activity tips. If you’re up for the challenge, here are five of the best fall fitness activities approved by our experts.

Workouts for strength and stability

Many summer activities bring you health benefits, even if that’s far from your intention. Swimming, playing catch, even grilling, which requires you to stay on your feet and get a few bonus steps in, all keep you active in a low-key way.

Come the fall season, you might spend a bit more time sitting and relaxing, which means making up for that lost activity by working out. Here are two Fall fitness activities to keep in mind:

Core stability

This quick fitness class dials in on your core and helps you establish better stability for any and all movements, whether pumping iron or raking leaves. (The latter is a great way to throw your back out if your core isn’t strong.)

Home run

This bodyweight cardio workout entails five running-type exercises you can do around the house — an easy way to get off the couch and get some movement without obliging you to go all the way to the gym.

Workouts for runners

For many people, fall is running season (no longer boiling hot, not yet freezing cold, plenty of big races on the horizon), so here are a couple of Aaptiv’s recommendations to get you ready to for this outdoor workout:

Race ready for the finish

If you’re going to run a competitive race — from a marathon to your local Turkey Trot — you might as well do as best as you can. This short tempo run will help you prepare to finish strong.

Empower to race

This fitness class focuses on speed and racing goals. If you’re an advanced athlete whose goal is to improve your race pace for a 5k, then this class is perfect for you.

A workout for the whole family

Family Fun Energy Booster

Summer’s gone, but playtime isn’t completely over. This short, energy-packed workout brings the family together for a fun “recess” break. It increases movement  for you and your partner and burns some energy for your kids — success all round.