Tips for exercising during the winter

CentraCare Weight Management

The trees are becoming bare and Halloween is right around the corner. This means old man winter will be coming soon. The thought of exercising during the winter can be daunting. Check out these tips to stay fit throughout the winter.

• Exercise outdoors. The temperatures may be dropping, but exercising outside can help to lift spirits and may help to reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder. Outdoor exercise doesn’t have to be walking/running. It can include making a snowman or even a friendly snowball fight. Tips: dress in layers and remove them as needed. If you are on a walk or run, choose a route that is sheltered from the wind.
• Join a gym. For the days when exercising outside is just not possible, having the option to go to a fitness center eliminates your excuse. If you can choose one with 24-hour access, you can then exercise whenever the mood strikes!
• Work out at home. If the weather is dangerous and creating snowy, icy or bad road conditions, you might consider staying in the comfort of your own home. Try out a new exercise video or your own routine. Make sure to find a routine that uses the equipment you already have to save money.
• Check out the local mall. Often, malls will open before the stores will open and may be open after the shops close. This allows you time to get a few laps in unbothered by holiday shoppers or the temptation to try on those new shoes in the window. Check your local mall for hours.
• Participate in winter sports. Sports help you to stay active under the guise of having fun. Some great winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Whichever route(s) you choose, just get some activity in and remember to be safe and to keep exposed skin covered.