If you live in a cold-weather climate, it’s clear that the carefree, warm days of 2010 are about to end.

The leaves are changing, the winds are blowing cooler, and the days have gotten shorter since fall officially kicked off on September 22.

With fall now underway, it has an effect on how active people can be or choose to be. But there are still plenty of great ways to stay active as you prepare for the colder days ahead.

Here are 10 tips for transitioning into fall fitness:

1 Power Hike – Plan ahead for the weather and dress accordingly for a brisk hike down a trail in the woods, or even just a walk around the neighborhood.

2 Go for a bike ride: Many fall days are the perfect temperature for a 20- or 30-mile bike ride, or maybe even longer if you’re an experienced cyclist.

3 Host an impromptu game: Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or even a fall softball game, get a few people together for some friendly outdoor competition on some of the last good days of the year to do it in the cold-weather states .

4 Yard Work: Get a good workout while doing your fall chores at a brisk pace, like raking leaves, clearing out flower beds, and preparing the house for winter. Your house will look so much better, you’ll burn calories, and you’ll feel good overall about being productive.

5 Prepare your indoor training room: Take some time to plan ahead where you’ll exercise once the weather forces you further inside, unless you’re a Nordic, winter games-type athlete.

Do things like clean your workout equipment, make sure your treadmill and/or elliptical are working properly, and maybe consider adding exercise equipment to your home gym.

6 Improve your diet: Take a good honest look at your diet and determine if there are any areas where you can improve. It’s much easier to gain weight during the winter months if you’re not careful, so establish good habits now.

7 Get enough sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep, as it will help you enjoy better overall health.

8 Take part in a road race – There are many local 5K and 10K races that take place every weekend. This is a great way to stay fit and motivated while you train.

9 Go for a ride on the water – Take a canoe, kayak or rafting trip as you soak up the fall atmosphere.

10 Take your time: If people aren’t careful, they can get exhausted by the hectic pace of life. Take some time to relax. Stop and smell the roses, or in this case, hear the leaves rustle underfoot on a nice quiet fall walk.