As autumn ushers in cooler temps, our thoughts turn from hot, sunny afternoons at the beach to crisp, humid-free days spent baking pies, raking leaves and watching football. But that doesn’t mean our fitness has to take a backseat to the flurry of fall activities. Believe it or not, you can still reap some calorie-burning rewards this season—you just need to know how.
Here are 11 hidden ways to burn calories, possibly enough to earn you an extra slice of that pie!
*All calorie counts based on a 140-pound person
1Apple Picking
Nabbing some fresh McIntosh and Granny Smiths burns 191 calories an hour. Plus, you know what they say about the health benefits of these juicy fruits and keeping the doctor away!
2Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins is anything but scary when it can shed 127 calories an hour. And remember, when you’re done, don’t toss those seeds—they are chock-full of protein and essential fatty acids.
3Touch Football
Instead of sitting on the couch rooting for your favorite team, how about heading outdoors and playing a friendly game of Two-Hand Touch? You can blast a whopping 509 calories in just one hour. Makes spending the rest of the day in front of the TV feel a lot less like a guilty pleasure.
4Raking Leaves
Admittedly, this is not our favorite chore, but knowing that it can knock out 274 calories an hour makes it more gratifying. Run and jump in the piles of leaves when you’re done, and you’ll burn even more calories.
5Baking
Yes, scooping flour and kneading dough can help you work off calories, too (pumpkin bread, anyone?). Just an hour of baking helps you ditch 127 calories.
6Trick-or-Treating
Strolling around the neighborhood for an hour can torch 210 calories. Hey, that’s enough to work off a couple of treats, like two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Not too shabby.
7Horseback Riding
Looking to add some giddy-up to your fitness routine? Saddling up and trotting around on one of our favorite animals for an hour can burn 255 calories—not to mention that it will work out muscles you probably didn’t even know you had.
8Carrying and Stacking Wood
Just think of the workout potential here. Loading your garage or cellar with a supply of firewood torches 318 calories an hour. Your arms and shoulders will thank you in the morning.
9Decorating for Fall
Carrying boxes down from the attic, moving around furniture and decorating for the new season can burn 382 calories an hour. Your house—and your body—will reap the rewards.
10Hanging Storm Windows
Getting cozy for colder weather can also get your body ready to burn more calories. Simply hanging storm windows will burn 318 calories an hour.
