Tips for Getting Your Adrenaline Rushing into Autumn

The crisp, fresh autumn air is all around. The leaves are changing color, the orchards and pumpkin patches are in full swing. The morning air is a misty purple haze; you're wearing that extra shirt and jacket as you step out. Surely, the thought of keeping fit is far from your mind and curling up on a cozy couch in front of your crackling fire is closer to your mind. But before frigid winter air sets in take hold of all of the activities that fall has to offer.

You can keep your activity level up an interesting number of ways. If you are for ways to keep "fit n' lite" before your winter hibernation - check out this list of activities that you might not think can burn calories and keep those winter pounds from piling on too soon.

Apple Picking - When you plan that trip to the orchard, don't just get your apples from the market. Take family and friends along for an afternoon of apple picking, climbing and hauling the activity. You'll be working more muscles and joints than just your arms reaching for your wallet.

Pumpkin Picking - When you get to the patch on that hay bail tractor, take a lap or two around to the outer edges of the patch for that perfect pumpkin.

Corn Maze Craze - You can spend hours, yes, hours trying to figure out a corn maze. This year you may want to go early to the patch and actually walk the corn maze. By the time you are done you'll surely have burned off more than a few calories.

Fall nature walk - Take advantage of the warmer days and take that tree lined path for a fall nature hike or walk.

Put away the leaf blower - Yes it may be tedious, but this year get the rake out and make it an event. Be sure to keep your back in mind and not strain too much but rake up those leaves and get your blood flowing.

Take a dive - Ok you may have to rake the leaves more than once, if you have kids (or teens). Have a bit of fun rolling, jumping and burying each other in the leaves. You'll adrenaline will be pumping and you'll hardly notice your exercising at all.

Bikes and blades - Don't put away the bicycle or roller blades just yet. Take a few more of those trips around the block before that dreaded winter freeze covers the roadways and sidewalks.

Monster Mash - Have a blast, crank up the spooky tunes and dance into the night.

Treasure Hunting - Since you never actually got to rake up the leaves; For the Halloween party plan a buried treasure/scavanger hunt in the back yard amongst the fallen leaves. More of a party planning activity, but you'll have fun helping your little guys find their "ghouly" treasures buried beneath the leaves.

What about all those leaves? - After the party has past, get those scarecrow and pumpkin shaped leaf bags out and fill them with leaves for a fun and festive decoration for the lawn

Trick or Treat - Put on your long johns. If you can, it is safe and weather permitting, walk your kids' trick or treat route this year.

So enjoy the rest of fall and October. Have a very happy, healthy and active Halloween!