December 15, 2021
Stay Active in the Winter Months
Rates of physical activity and exercise tend to drop when it gets cold. Here are a few ways to move during winter that will help with increasing productivity and reducing tension and stress.
Unless you live in San Diego or South Beach, the struggle to stay active in the colder winter months is real. Instead of venturing out, many would rather stay in a warm bed for a few extra minutes in the morning, cozy up with hot soup at lunch before getting back to work, or settle in front of the fire with a glass of red wine and Netflix in the evenings. But physical activity not only provides long-term physical benefits, like reducing the risk of health disease, diabetes and some types of cancer, it also boosts the immune system and relieves stress and burnout.
However, the World Health Organization reports that 25% of adults around the world don’t meet recommended levels of physical activity. A study by the American Psychological Association found that only 17% of U.S. adults exercise daily. Of those who do, 62% say it’s very or extremely effective at managing stress.
Fortunately, there are a myriad of fun ways to keep the blood pumping. Here are seven ideas to help you get moving.
1. Take a walk or jog. Spend 15 to 30 minutes and actively walk or jog around your neighborhood or office building, or on a local trail. It not only increases the heartrate but also provides a break from daily stressors and clears the head. If it’s sunny out, there’s also the added advantage of getting critical Vitamin D – important for healthy bones and teeth and can help protect against conditions such as Type 1 diabetes. During the cold, dark winter months, Vitamin D levels in the general population tend to drop.
2. Go on a hike. Bring a friend or your family and venture out to local hiking trails. The fresh air and natural beauty will clear the mental cobwebs, not to mention the physical benefits you’ll get. Just be certain, to do your research on the specific trail with an app like AllTrails to see exactly what to expect and how challenging it can get, and watch the weather forecast to ensure everyone dresses appropriately.
3. Shovel snow. Snow removal is not usually a favorite winter task, but it can be an amazing workout. After you take care of your own driveway and sidewalk, ask your neighbors if you can clear theirs as well. Wear appropriate shoes and gloves and use caution; know the signs of overexertion, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or pain radiating down the arm or up into the neck, which can be warnings of a heart attack.
4. Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Skiing and snowboarding are favorite pastimes in the winter months, but try something new with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Cross-country skiers don’t rely on ski lifts and move entirely on their own physical motion, either by striding forward or “skating” side-to-side. A related discipline is snowshoeing, which is basically hiking in the snow with – you guessed it – snowshoes, available at outdoor retailers. Both offer incredible workouts and allow participants to avoid crowded ski hills.
5. Go skating. Bring a friend or the family for an evening of ice skating or roller skating at a local rink. It’s fun and a great workout, and it’s sure to provide feelings of childhood nostalgia, which are a nice-to-have experience during these challenging times.
6. Join a health club. Find a local facility that offers a variety of exercises and activities, such as yoga and Pilates classes, weight machines and even an indoor pool for laps or Zumba. If you have kids at home, research a place that offers childcare options and kids’ activities. Bonus tip: If your class is early in the morning, throw your workout clothes in the dryer for five minutes before putting them on to make getting dressed more pleasant.
7. Get active at home. Don’t use the “inclement weather” excuse not to exercise. Grab your yoga mat, make room in your office or living room and join virtual workout classes offered by your local studio or health club. Fitness influencers on YouTube offer a variety of low-impact and no-equipment sessions. Consider joining your kids when they play Dance Dance Revolution, or try hula hooping with a weighted hoop that’s meant for adult workouts. Even just vacuuming and sweeping the floor offers aerobic benefits when done briskly; just make sure to wear a mask to limit dust inhalation.