7 Ways to Quickly Burn 100 Calories This Fall

We get it — fall is almost here and winter is on the way, so the temptation to skip your workout is probably overwhelming.

Soon, you’ll be grabbing bulky sweaters and heavy coats that can easily conceal any flaws in your physique. Besides, what’s the point of working out when the holidays loom and all of your favorite calorie-laden treats are on the horizon?

But quit your workout now, and you could be sorry. You might feel pangs of guilt come Jan. 1. Or perhaps you’ll make it to spring before regretting your lack of resolve.

So, instead of throwing in the towel on account of the turkey — or, more likely, the accompanying stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie — renew your fitness commitments with a few simple fall activities.

The American Diabetes Association has a list of activities that can quickly torch 100 calories, and we have chosen seven suggestions for fall:

1. Rake leaves

The yellow, red and orange leaves of fall are the stuff of autumn dreams, but raking them can feel more like a nightmare. Just remind yourself that spending 20 minutes performing this necessary chore will quickly burn 100 calories.

2. Clean a gutter

Raking leaves is a joy compared to ridding your gutters of the gunk they’ve accumulated this season. But this job is absolutely necessary. Broken or clogged gutters can lead to backups of water that damage home or attract pests.

If you hate the thought of climbing a ladder and tackling your grimy gutters, remind yourself that after 15 minutes of this activity, you’ll have burned 100 calories.

For more tasks that could spare your house when the weather turns colder, check out “Prep Your Home for Winter With These 16 Low-Cost Tricks.”

3. Walk the dog

Walking your beloved pup is a far more pleasant way to burn another 100 calories. Choose a beautiful fall day, grab your best bud and set out for a stroll to soak in the cool breezes and vibrant colors that define autumn.

A half-hour of walking Fido should result in 100 calories burned for you, and a wagging tail for your canine companion.

No dog? No problem! The American Diabetes Association says you can get the same result by pushing a child in a stroller for 30 minutes. Or just walk and enjoy the leaves.

4. Paint a small room

Millions of Americans get “cabin fever” from spending countless hours indoors during the winter months. One great antidote to this seasonal ailment is to dress up your living space so it will sparkle like new during the long, dark winter season.

The quickest way to liven up any room is with a coat of paint. Just 15 minutes of painting a small room — or a portion of a larger one — burns 100 calories.

Can’t decide on a color? Check out “7 Paint Colors That Boost Home Sale Prices — and 6 That Hurt.”

5. String up holiday lights

The holidays will be here before you know it. But rather than wait for the colder days of November and December, string up your outdoor holiday lights during the relatively balmy days of October.

Just 30 minutes of work will eliminate 100 pesky calories.

6. Play a short match of tennis

While there is still time, get outside on some of fall’s warmer days and squeeze in a few quick tennis matches before the snowflakes fly.

Just 10 minutes of tennis burns 100 calories. If you don’t play the game, grab your bike and pedal around leisurely for 20 minutes. You will get the same calorie-burning benefit.

7. Walk briskly through the mall

As the weather turns colder, many people turn to shopping malls for their dose of daily exercise. Some malls open early for people who want to walk through them purely for the physical fitness benefits.

Briskly walking through the mall for 20 minutes will burn 100 calories. It’s up to you to decide whether to stick around until stores open so you can slim down your wallet, too.

What are some of your favorite ways to burn calories during autumn? Share them by commenting below or on our Facebook page.