The weather outside has taken a turn for the colder temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you should just hibernate indoors until Spring! Here are some helpful tips to help you stay active during these colder months.
Sneak In Extra Activity
Although Winter is a tempting time to take a break from exercising, there are some really easy ways that you can sneak extra activity into your day. As you are running errands, park farther away from the entrance to give yourself some extra walking distance.
If you’re doing holiday shopping, make a few extra laps in the store. You can also make sure to opt for the stairs any time you have the choice between the stairs, an elevator, or an escalator. Or, if you do happen to be sitting at home on the couch, incorporate some sort of activity in between commercial breaks (i.e., doing squats, crunches, or running in place until your show comes back on). It may not seem like much, but these small measures can really add up!
Get Outside
Even though it’s cold outside, with the right preparation you can still enjoy some outdoor activities. Be sure to layer appropriately (starting with a thin first layer that will wick moisture away from the body, followed by an insulating layer, and finished with a waterproof layer that will protect you from the elements), and also remember to always wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks and shoes in order to maintain proper body heat.
Whether it’s walking the dog, tossing a football, or building snowmen in the yard, getting outside is still a great way to stay physically active in the Winter. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to live near a mountain (or to vacation near one), you can also enjoy Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing!
Try Something New
Winter is a great time to try a new indoor activity, and there is no shortage of things to try! With everything from indoor water aerobics, dodgeball, kickboxing, and even trampoline parks, you’re only a quick search away from a fun new way to stay active indoors.
Set Yourself Up For Success At Home
If you prefer to stay home, there are many ways that you can stay active this Winter. Investing in a few workout DVDs and/or equipment will turn your living room into your own fitness class! Or, you can harness the power of your own bodyweight to perform numerous exercises (i.e., pushups, situps, squats, burpees, etc.) As previously mentioned, you can turn commercial breaks into workout breaks to stay on top of your favorite TV shows, and your physical fitness! Other activities like vacuuming and cleaning are also great ways to get your body moving.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from staying active this Winter. Find the solution that works best for you, and keep moving towards your health and fitness goals!
