Ideas for Staying Active During the Winter
Ideas for Staying Active During the Winter
Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health and overall sense of well-being. But during the winter it can be hard to motivate yourself to bundle up and head out into the cold. So what are some ways you can stay active even when the weather isn’t inviting?
Try a fun winter activity
Wintertime offers some activities, like skiing and snowshoeing, that you just can’t do the rest of the year. Take advantage of the snow and ice to try an activity that combines exercise with fun.
Embrace the wet season
Swimming may not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of winter exercise, but swimming laps or doing water aerobics in a heated pool can be a relaxing and low-impact way to get yourself moving.
Walk indoors
Walking in the rain is totally possible—and can even be fun—but if it’s not your thing, try walking at an indoor location like a mall. Just remember to leave your credit card at home so your exercise sessions don’t get too expensive!
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that’s well adapted for indoor practice. If you’re new to it, you can find lots of great beginner’s videos online or at your local library.
Home gym
You don’t have to invest in a gym membership to reap the benefits of regular exercise. Invest in some inexpensive and easy-to-use equipment like resistance bands or weights and hold your own gym class in the living room.
Use your daily activities
If fitting exercise into a busy routine is hard for you, look for ways you can incorporate normal tasks as part of staying active. Raking leaves, shoveling snow, vacuuming the house, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator are small steps you can take towards staying active in the winter.
Other Tips:
As you choose your winter exercise, be sure to stay safe and keep whole-body wellness in mind with these tips:
Dress in layers – Dressing for outdoor activity in the winter can be tricky, since you’ll probably start out cold and warm up as you exercise. Dress in layers that you can easily take off and put on to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. A good base layer should have moisture-wicking properties, while the outermost layer should be both wind- and water-resistant.
Stay hydrated – You may not feel as thirsty in a cold environment, but it’s just as important to stay hydrated during the winter as it is during the summer. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your exercise session.
Wear reflective material outside after dark – Winter days are short. If you can’t get your outdoor exercise in before dark, be sure to wear reflective material to keep yourself safe.
Wear sunscreen—The sun may not feel as warm during the winter, but it can still burn your skin, so don’t forget to put on sunscreen before you head outside.
There are plenty of ways you can stay active during the winter. Whether you choose to exercise indoors or outdoors, and whether you prefer a serious workout or just a way to get the blood moving, staying active can help you feel good through the long winter months.
Sources:
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/11-ways-to-stay-active-in-winter
https://doctorsthatdo.osteopathic.org/dont-hibernate-staying-active-cold
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Exercise
General Health
