Who among us has used the cold weather to excuse why we can’t reasonably work out today? Raise your hand if you agree.
Winter weather can appear to be a perfect reason to curl up on the couch and put your workout program on hold. Yes, it’s challenging to keep motivated when the wind is howling or the snow is blowing. But don’t abandon all plans to stay active – whether indoors or out. After all, winter is a lovely season for maintaining your active lifestyle.
Why is it important to stay active during winter?
We should try to keep on moving, regardless of the weather. According to the NHS, a good starting goal is at least 150 minutes a week.
Exercising in the winter has several unexpected advantages:
Burns more fat: We all know that regular exercise can keep us fit and healthy. But during winter, we can develop a body that we can be proud of in the summer months. It also keeps our serious food cravings at bay by regulating our fresh air intake.
Increases endurance: Your heart doesn’t work as hard in cold temperatures. You sweat less, and you burn less energy. Staying active strengthens your heart.
Prevents SAD – Regular exercise can help to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With 30 to 60 minutes of activity and 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day, people can control or avoid SAD.
Yes, you may find it challenging to get your daily exercise dosage during the winter months. These tips will help you stay active even in the coldest months of the year.
1. Do Some Household Chores
Housework is not only a terrific method to maintain your home nice and clean, but it’s also a great way to get up and move. Deep clean your house or reorganize those boxes in the basement. Winter is the ideal time to cross those tasks off your to-do list while also getting some exercise. Simple tasks like dusting or sweeping can increase your step count and burn calories.
2. Opt for a Home Workout
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive fitness equipment to get a good workout at home. To get your heart racing, try a body-weight circuit. Body-weight workouts work a variety of muscle groups. It burns more calories than you might imagine for a full-body workout.
You can do squats, push-ups, lunges, planks, and jumping jacks. Another excellent option is to watch exercise videos on YouTube. These are often free! Hand weights or resistance bands might also be beneficial.
3. Start Nature Walking
One of the most basic types of exercise is walking. It does not need much in the way of equipment or planning. For the most part, it is simple and accessible. Walking and hiking are other excellent opportunities to appreciate nature. At the same time, you get to enjoy the lovely winter weather. If you plan to go hiking in the winter, make sure you pack the nicest hiking jacket you can find to stay warm.
To avoid winter slips and falls, dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with extra traction. Plan your trip and gradually increase your distance and speed. Leave your headphones at home to ensure that you are always alert and aware of your surroundings. This time of year, take the time to appreciate everything that nature offers.
4. Play Indoor Sports
It’s natural to start binge-watching shows or sitting glued during these times. But, we strongly recommend you to get out and about more. Play a few sports, and you’ll feel much better physically and emotionally. Look around your local area for indoor tennis, badminton, hockey and basketball clubs.
There are plenty of other options for indoor activities which you could try if none of the above are your thing. There’s dance classes, aerobics, yoga, pilates and many more to choose from!
5. Play a Fun Outdoor Activity with your Kids
Staying indoors during the winter months may seem warm and cozy. But, imagine the many benefits of fun activities it brings to children who spend time outside. Many parents believe that being outside in the cold can cause illness. It is one of the reasons why they keep their children inside. But, studies have revealed that this is not true! Being outside in the cold is preferable to being indoors. Make sure that your children are appropriately dressed and kept safe.
Do you want to build a snowman? We cannot think of anything more classic than making a snowman during the winter. Make a snow animal (bear, cat, dog) with your kids if you want to put a creative spin on this classic hobby.
6. Swim
Put any presumptions about wet hair and cold weather to rest. Swimming is a total-body workout since each stroke engages a different muscle group. Swimming is also an excellent cardiac exercise because of its rhythmic breathing. It is suitable for heart function.
Indoor swimming is an excellent way to increase stamina. It can also help you maintain a lean physique during the winter months. Swimming at a colder temperature burns more calories while exercising. The cold lowers your body’s temperature, causing it to work harder and faster.
Conclusion
We know it’s hard. But, remind yourself why it’s necessary to be active throughout the year. If you enjoy outdoor exercise, consider indoor fitness as a fun way to change up your routine. It also helps engage your body differently.
Exercise is far too beneficial to your body to ignore. Consider the winter as an opportunity to be more creative with your workouts. Staying on track during the winter months can make you feel even better. No matter how you choose to stay active during the winter months, “the cold should not bother you anyway.”
