Winter Exercising

Did you know that 30 percent of people don’t get any exercise at all during the winter?  And those that do often get less than they would during the warmer months of the year.  Often winter is busy because of the holidays, it is cold and bitter outside, and it is dark and dreary.  All this adds up to the unhealthy habit or not getting enough physical activity during the winter.

Joining a gym is a great way to get more exercise during the winter.  Not only does it provide a warm, safe place to work out; it can also help you combat winter depression by giving you someplace to get out to, and helping you socialize and meet new people.  They also have expert staff to help give you a workout and diet plan, and encourage you along the way. 

The gym isn’t the only place you can go to get a workout while staying warm in the winter.  You can go to a local mall or other large indoor area to take a walk.  You can take a casual stroll through while window shopping, or come in early for some power walking to get your heart rate up in the morning.  In addition to being a safe, warm place to get some exercise, many malls have walking clubs you can join for extra perks and even discounts.

You don’t actually have to leave home during the winter to get you heart rate up.  Winter is a great time to dust off those old exercise tapes to get your heart rate up without a lot of hassle.  You can also try simple things like running in place, getting a rebounder, or even just playing a game with the kids.

Sports are a great way to stay in shape all winter long.  While we normally think of sports are a summertime activity, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy all year round.  Many places have indoor winter leagues for sports like hockey, volleyball, and basketball.  If you’re more adventurous, you can even try playing a more obscure winter sport like broomball or dodge ball.  If you don’t want to find a league, just go outside and play touch football with your kids or friends.

If you do venture outside in the winter, be sure to take extra precautions to stay warm and safe.  Always be sure to bundle up and wear layers.  You want enough to keep you warm, but not so much that you’re sweating.  While sweating during your summer workout is great, during the winter sweat makes you wet and can make you cold in freezing temperatures.

A quick temperature change can be a dangerous shock to your body.  When going outside, take time to give your body a proper warm up and cool down.  Also, when coming in from the cold, wait a few minutes to remove your coat and other layers.

While exercising during the winter may take a bit more planning and effort, you’ll be rewarded by staying healthy, looking good, and maybe even having some fun.