Staying active during the cold season? It’s never easy. Without a gym membership, many people lose all motivation when it comes to staying in shape as winter approaches. When the temperatures drop, the sky turns dark, and the wind seems to start pushing you back indoors to the warmth of your couch. But don’t be discouraged. It’s difficult for everyone and we have some tips to help keep you motivated and get you through the long cold season.
Tips To Stay Active During The Cold Season
- Running or walking up and down the stairs in your house or apartment building can be a great high intensity cardio and leg workout.
- Join a team or individual sports program. Competition levels can range from recreational to expert.
- At home Yoga or other Likewise Activities: Things like yoga, tai chi, and qigong that can build strength, increase flexibility, and help you relax.
- Outdoor Sports: Winter is the perfect time for outdoor sports such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities.
- Home Workouts: Don’t have a fitness DVD? Look for a fitness channel on your local cable or satellite television, or find a fitness Web site you like and get a workout online.
- Play Outside. Get some warm clothes and play some games with your kids, grand kids, nieces or nephews. Be careful, but a good snowball fight, some street hockey, or even building a snowman can burn more calories than you’d think.
- Mall Walking: When walking outdoors is not an option, do laps inside your local shopping mall. For the average person, a brisk one-hour walk can burn 300 to 400 calories.
- Dancing: For even more fun and less structure, turn up the volume on some of your favorite songs and dance.
- Volunteering: Choose volunteering opportunities that enable you to be physically active while you work. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in a toy drive for a children’s hospital, or canvassing your neighborhood for donations to a food bank.
- Watch Your Diet. Your diet directly impacts your energy level. If you are eating junk food you will feel more lethargic and less motivated to get your body moving, so stay the course. It can be hard with the holidays, but it’s worth it.
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