Winter Wellness: Creative Ways to Keep Moving and Stay Fit
Winter has arrived, and depending on where you live, you might be dealing with snow, ice, dropping temperatures, and a strong desire to stay indoors under a warm blanket. But for some folks, winter also means new opportunities for activities that you can’t do any other time of year. No matter how you feel about winter, it’s here…
If you love being active but aren’t a fan of the cold, it can be challenging to keep moving during this season. Instead of hibernating, consider trying out winter sports, outdoor hobbies, modified summer sports, or even indoor activities to stay active.
To figure out the best activity for you, think about what you enjoy during the summer. If you like hiking, canoeing, or swimming, you might enjoy winter sports that keep you moving. Snowshoeing, skiing, and ice skating are great winter alternatives to your favorite summer activities. Not only are they fun, but they also help break up the long winter days and keep you active.
It’s easy to crank up the heat and hide indoors all winter, but trying out a winter sport can keep you engaged with the outdoors and maintain your fitness in a fun way. While some winter activities are intense, others are more laid-back but still get you outside. Making snow angels, building snowmen, and sledding are wonderful winter hobbies that encourage you to be a bit active and spend time outdoors. Even something like metal detecting can provide low-impact exercise for all ages.
Other outdoor hobbies like ice fishing, bird watching, and photography also get you outside, keeping you moving around without being too strenuous. If you’re someone who usually spends an hour each day hiking or walking your dog, these activities might not fully satisfy you, but they offer options to get outside and stay active.
You don’t have to give up your favorite summer activities just because it’s cold. Many can be adapted for winter. Camping, jogging, bike riding, and rock climbing can all be adjusted for colder weather. Even surfing is possible with wetsuits designed for winter conditions. Staying active isn’t limited to the warmer months; you just need to make a few changes. For example, you can snowshoe to a winter campsite, jog with warmer clothes, use wider bike tires, or find different rock climbing spots suitable for winter.
For those who can’t stand the cold, staying indoors is the only option. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay fit. You can join a gym, get home workout equipment, do Wii workouts, or focus on home exercises. While outdoor winter activities are fun, they’re not always practical for a daily workout. That’s why some people prefer indoor exercises – they can stay warm while doing a set of crunches, pushups, lunges around the living room, or even at-home yoga.
The main goal is to keep moving during these tough months. It’s easy to fall into a lazy routine, especially if you prefer activity over a gym workout. By embracing winter sports, outdoor hobbies, adapting summer activities, or working out indoors, you can maintain your fitness even in the cold. So instead of spending winter binging on Netflix under a blanket, get out and do something active!
