Keep Fit This Winter With These Eight Indoor and Outdoor Activities!
When we think of winter, we typically envision a cold, snowy night. The wind is howling outside of our home, causing the snow to swirl endlessly through the streets and ice to form slowly on tree limbs and power lines. Meanwhile, we’re inside, maybe watching the snow from the living room couch, curled up in a fuzzy blanket with hot chocolate. Or potato chips. Or cake. Or brownies…
The season of winter tends to bring out the primal instinct of hibernation even in the best of us. All we want to do is eat and snuggle in our bed until springtime comes. And really, who wants to go outside where it’s cold and wet?
In spite of the challenges that the season poses, winter is a time in which a new realm of possibilities to remain active presents itself to us. And you don’t even have to join a gym to get a good workout – you can still work out in your own backyard (or living room)! Check out these eight activities that you can still do outdoors or indoors!
Just Dance! – What more of a fun way to work those glutes, legs, and abs when you have to stay indoors than dancing! Break out some of your dance moves or freestyle to the Beatles (or another favorite band of yours). You don’t even have to be a professional dancer to shed some pounds; all you have to do is just get up and move it!
Fitness DVDs – Don’t feel like driving through the winter weather to go work out at the gym? You don’t have to! By investing in some dumbbells and some fitness DVDs, you can bring the gym home with you! All you have to do is roll out of bed, get limber, and press “play,” and you’re good to go!
Jump rope – Harken back to your primary school days, and get ready for an intense workout! Jumping rope is an easy way to burn lots of calories in a short amount of time. Better yet, jump ropes are inexpensive and can go with you everywhere. Just remember to wear a pair of shock-absorbent shoes when you exercise!
Mall It! – Love to shop? Good news, shopper! Walking around the mall not only helps you get your errands done, but it also helps you burn calories! To get the best workout out of this low-impact activity, intersperse 2-minute intervals of fast walking into your regular walking pace.
Don’t forget – you can still walk outside in the wintertime! Just remember to dress warmly, and you’re good to go!
Pilates – This mat-based exercise is popular for a reason – it’s a great way to sculpt your abs and back and strengthen your core! You can choose to take a class with others or to do the exercise with DVD instructions in the privacy of your home.
Running – Newsflash! You can still run in the winter! Just add some extra layers of moisture resistant clothes, put on a hat and gloves, and you’re set! Be sure to choose a safe, ice-fee running route, though. If you’d rather not get cold or wet, try running on the treadmill or indoor track at your local gym or rec center.
Ski or Snowboard – Why not take advantage of the winter weather while it’s still here? Skiing and snowboarding work all the major upper-and lower-body muscle groups and you prove to be a great workout! And better yet, you’ll get to play in the snow!
Spinning – Got the itch to go biking? Cycling indoors can help you shed pounds and trim up your buns and thighs! Crank up your favorite tunes or watch a favorite show and start spinning like mad! Try to keep the revolutions per minute high for an intense cardio workout.
Remember, winter is just like any other season when it comes to hydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts, and be sure to dress for the weather. It’s best to dress in layers as you can keep the heat in and you’ll be able to remove your clothing as your workout intensifies!
Want some more fitness tips? Why not check out our Facebook page or Twitter page? Better yet, call us up here at Fitness4Life at 618-656-5433, and we can show you how to effectively exercise! Get going, get out there, and get healthy!
