Winter Exercise

The outdoor temperature is dropping, and so is your motivation to exercise. Who wants to go outdoors for a walk or a bike ride in this weather? Don’t let your healthy habits get frozen out by the cold. Adapt to the changing seasons and find new ways to keep fit.

Bundle up!

Brave the cold and add winter sports to your fitness regimen. Downhill and cross-country skiing both burn calories and challenge your muscles. Locate an ice-skating rink. Skating requires strength and coordination, plus it’s a great aerobic exercise. An all-out snowball fight with the kids is a fun way to get the whole family playing.

Choose an indoor exercise location. 

You might have to change up your routine a little, but you can exercise indoors. Many shopping malls open their doors early to walkers. Count your laps or run a stopwatch to estimate your total distance. Ask around to find a gym for the winter months. You’ll want a gym that offers month-to-month rates, so you can stop when the weather gets nicer. If nothing else, choose an exercise DVD, and work out in the comfort of your own living room.

Buddy up with a friend. 

If you’re struggling to find your motivation, chances are someone else needs a little help too. Commit to each other for regular exercise together. Even with COVID restrictions, you can grab your phone and headset and still “meet up” for exercise. Knowing that friend is waiting for you can provide a little extra push to get moving. 

Between the hustle of the holidays and the icy temps outside, exercise slides by the wayside. You can overcome the urge to slack off by getting support from your friends and substituting winter or indoor activities for your usual routine. Have a fun and fit winter!