How to stay active this winter

As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, you may be tempted to hang up your exercise gear and hibernate, but don’t let those obstacles stop you from being active! There are many options besides the gym that will keep you active even on those cold and snowy days when you don’t want to leave the house. Here are some ways that you can staying active anywhere this winter:

1. Make your own home gym

• Walk around the house, up the stairs, down the stairs, EVERYWHERE! In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 150-pound person burns 10 calories by walking up stairs for one minute!
• Who needs fancy gym equipment to get a good workout? We all have soup cans, water bottles, laundry detergent containers. Use them as weights for resistance exercises.
• Try workout DVDs. They can provide a great workout with limited equipment and space all without leaving home!
• Check your TV. Some cable packages offer free workout stations and videos that you may not even know about.
• Make up your own circuit. Jumping jacks, high knees, squats, and crunches are just a few of the exercises you can incorporate into your own workout routine. Do them all together or even during commercial breaks of your favorite show.
• Just DANCE! Turn up the music and dance to some of your favorite songs for a heart-raising workout!

2. Think outside the box

• When walking outside is not an option, take advantage of other places like malls, churches, or schools. Many malls open early for people to walk!
• Try a new sport. Look into indoor sports and activities to join for the winter. Many places have indoor leagues over the winter. Whether it’s rock climbing, volleyball, soccer, or dodgeball, a sport will keep you physically active all winter long.
• Change up your gym routine. Take a new group fitness class or try a new exercise. Adding something new can help you stay excited and motivated to exercise!
• Use your phone. There are many free workout apps available, such as Sworkit and Nike+ Training Club. Many offer pictures/videos and a timer to guide you through an entire workout.
• Set a goal for the spring. Whether it’s running a race in the spring or an upcoming summer vacation, setting a goal can help you stay on track with your training during the winter.

3. Take advantage of the snow

• If the weather is not too bad, bundle up and take a walk!
• Shoveling snow counts as activity! You can burn more than 400 calories shoveling snow for 30 minutes (WebMD)! Remember to watch your form to protect your knees and back!
• Have some fun in the snow! Build a snowman, go sledding, hike the snow-covered trails, go ice-skating, or practice your winter sport. All of these activities can keep you moving in the winter.

It may be winter, but that’s no reason to forgo exercise. Your exercise options may seem limited, but many are available! It doesn’t have to be a long bout of exercise, but make it count. Think outside the box and find activities you enjoy, inside and out!