Here’s Why It’s Harder to Exercise in the Winter and How You Can Motivate Yourself to Stay Active
You already know about the importance of regular exercise. And you also know that exercise is one of the most effective ways to warm up and boost your energy levels. But if you’re like most people, you probably find that coming up with ways to stay active through the cold winter months is a challenge. Even more challenging is how to work up the motivation to create and stick to an exercise routine when all you really want to do is curl up under a blanket with your favorite Netflix show.
We hear you. And we have some ideas for how to move past the winter inertia and give your body the movement it needs. Here’s why exercise can be so hard in the winter, ideas for tackling the challenge, and a list of chiropractor approved activities for winter from your providers here at Tracy and Keim Chiropractic in Eugene, Oregon.
Why Does Exercise Feel Harder in the Winter?
If you struggle to keep up with your exercise regime when the cold weather sets in, you’re not alone. Many people feel less energetic in the winter and less inclined to work out. There are several possible reasons for this. Do any of these resonate with you?
Dressing for cold weather takes longer. With so many layers to worry about, you may find that just thinking about getting ready to work out makes you feel tired. It can help to remind yourself that it’s only a difference of a few minutes. You can also invest in some stylish winter activewear if that helps motivate you to get ready for a workout.
Your body has to work harder when it’s cold. Cold temperatures force your body to work harder during training and to regulate your core temperature. If exercising in the cold feels more strenuous—that’s because it is. The good news is that this means you can benefit from burning even more calories and getting a better cardio workout in the winter than in other seasons.
Weather conditions can make it hard to get outside or travel to the gym. Your safety should always come first, so it’s a good idea to stay inside if road conditions aren’t safe or you’re worried about slipping on snow or ice. Keep your exercise regimen flexible so you can still get some movement in even if you can’t go outside or to the gym. Try exercising at home, walking inside the mall, or even doing housework to get your blood pumping.
Fewer hours of daylight might make you feel tired. Winter brings reduced exposure to sunlight, especially if you live in an area where winters are gray and overcast. (Hello, Pacific Northwest!) This makes it even more important to get outside during the daylight hours so you can soak up what sunshine there is and help your internal clock to recognize when it’s time to be awake.
How Can You Motivate Yourself to Move More During the Winter?
In addition to the ideas above, here are some other tips that can help you get motivated to exercise even when it’s cold outside.
Warm up your body before exercising. A few stretches can help you ease into the idea of exercise and raise your body’s internal temperature so that your body is prepared to go out in the cold.
Choose a form of exercise you enjoy. You might have to change it up in the winter to stay motivated, and that’s okay.
Invite a friend to be your workout buddy. It can be more fun to exercise when you have company. Even if the two of you can’t always go together, checking in and encouraging one another to stay active can help you stay more dedicated than if you were to go it alone.
Focus on being physically active instead of on exercising. If working out doesn’t work for you, focus on incorporating movement into your everyday routine. Doing housework, taking the stairs, walking the dog, pacing while you talk on the phone, parking the car farther from the entrance, or standing and stretching periodically are all ways to increase your everyday movement.
Do a few breathing exercises. If you feel sluggish, taking a few long, deep breaths can get the oxygen flowing to your brain. This can clear your head and increase your energy so that you feel more like getting up and moving and less like taking a nap.
Chiropractor Approved Activities for Winter
Now that you know how to motivate yourself to start moving, here are a few of our favorite chiropractor approved activities for winter. Some of these can only be done in the snow, so take advantage of the winter weather to enjoy them! Others can be done indoors or in milder climates. Here in the Eugene/Springfield area we’re lucky to (usually) have mild winters during which activities like cycling and hiking can be continued in the winter with proper precautions.
This winter, you might try:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Skating
- Sledding
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Dancing
Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re trying a new form of exercise, ease into it slowly to reduce the risk of muscle strain or injury. And if you have any concerns about your ability to participate in a certain form of exercise, talk to your chiropractor or doctor beforehand. They can help you determine what activities might work well for you and how to exercise safely.
Stay safe, warm, and active this winter! If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (541) 689-0935. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sources:
https://sanguina.com/blogs/all/tired-in-the-winter
https://aaptiv.com/magazine/workout-pros-share-stay-motivated-winter/
https://www.aston.ac.uk/sport/news/tips/fitness-exercise/benefits-training-cold-weather
https://www.puregym.com/blog/how-to-stay-motivated-to-exercise-through-winter/
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Exercise
