Don’t worry about being bored during the winter weather —Trisha Miller shares some of the most exciting ways to keep active during the cold!
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If you’re worried about staying active during the winter months, don’t worry, we are right there with you. Running in the morning usually becomes quite unappealing once there is frost on the ground. Most of us live in areas that get cold and snowy for several months of the year, but even those who don’t get to enjoy snow may want some ideas for how to keep warm and fit when the temperature starts to drop. Here are some ways to make working out seem easy over the holidays.
Jump on the slopes
Snowboarding or skiing is an excellent way to workout in style and have fun with a group or alone. If you’re lucky enough to live near a ski resort check into purchasing a season pass. Usually clubs or resorts will allow a hefty discount to those who want to ski or snowboard all season. If you’re not close enough to invest in a season pass think about taking a trip this winter to spend a few days on the slopes. Especially if you’re a beginner snow sports are definitely a full body workout, so there’s no better time to give it a try.
Do some laps
No, I don’t mean dipping your privates in some icy cold lake or pond water. Take a trip to your local gym and enjoy some laps in their fancy Olympic sized swimming pool. Swimming is relaxing and peaceful any time of year. It’s a fun way to clear your mind of any stressing thoughts that might be plaguing you. It’s also a great workout that doesn’t really feel like a chore. Swimming is much easier on the joints than running (especially for those with sports injuries or arthritis) and gives you an entire body workout. However, if that even gets a little too chilly for you then hope they have a hot tub or spa to warm up in. good luck!
Do some “sportsing”
Have a sport you’ve always wanted to try? There is no better time than the winter season to give it a go. Many public leagues have indoor facilities and are little to no cost to join up. This way you don’t have to worry about nasty weather when you’re trying to play. If checking out a league with a bunch of strangers isn’t really your thing (and we don’t blame you) ask some coworkers or friends to get together a couple times per month. The list of sports you can try is virtually endless – hockey, tennis, soccer, basketball, racquetball, ping pong, LARPing, you name it.
Create a couch workout
Yeah, we said it. You can obtain the ultimate workout scenario while eating pumpkin pie. Okay, maybe that is a little bit too much, but you get the idea. Set up a schedule while watching your favorite show. During the commercials or in between episodes. Do 15 pushups, then squats, then crunches, then 15 seconds of knee highs as fast as you can go. Make it a fun game that you have complete control over. For example, if you watch the Voice (no judgement) workout for 10 seconds every time the judges make fun of one another, much like common drinking games, but healthier. You’ll be super buff in no time.
It’s not always easy to beat the winter blues and get the motivation to go outside when it’s cold, but that’s okay. Just know that starting small is better than nothing at all. Don’t let yourself get too comfortable during the winter season or else you’ll make the “I’ll work out tomorrow when it’s warmer” mistake. If you can dress appropriately for warm weather and find winter activities that you enjoy, working out won’t have to be a New Year’s resolution.
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