Goodbye Gym. Hello Adventure.

Sure, you love a P90X workout.

There is nothing like energized “muscle confusion” added to tripping over the dog, cat or sofa in the midst of high intensity reps. All the while being chastised by those in your house for your penchant for spandex and poly-blend workout couture in the comfort of your own home.

So, get out…really.

The Fall Outdoor Adventure Challenge offered by The Turning Leaf features five weeks of outdoor activities and exercises designed to stimulate the mind and body and to promote healthy lifestyle practices. All the while keeping your bum in shape throughout the eating, drinking and merriment of the holidays.

It is the boot camp concept meets self-esteem building in Charleston’s great outdoors.

The series of 10 classes meets twice weekly beginning November 16 through December 16, from 6-7am at locales from Folly Beach to Shem Creek and beyond.

The workouts read like the date activities from a season of The Bachelor: sunrise yoga, rock climbing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, running, swimming and pilates.

The bonus? You get great activities to challenge muscle groups you didn’t even know you had, a scenic backdrop that few are lucky enough to behold on a daily basis, and personal fitness growth and toning, all before you normally would have been awake.

The small groups of 10 allow workouts to be designed for the individual and meet any fitness level. Owner Harriott Parker begins each session by working with participants to determine their goals on a scale of “just for kicks” to “American Gladiator,” and maintains unique intensity levels throughout the Challenge.

As a take away treat, participants have the opportunity to maintain a journal and receive health tips and favorite recipes to encourage healthy living on the whole.

So, don’t let the mercury dropping below 70 degrees keep you indoors. Think of the poor saps in Minnesota shoveling out for the day, grab your jacket, head to the beach for some fresh air, excitement and a workout that comes complete with its own motivation.

The Fall Outdoors Challenge runs $175 for 10 sessions. For more information, visit TheTurningLeaf.org.

Story by: Meredith H. Siemens