As the weather gets chillier it becomes increasingly difficult to get outside (or to become motivated enough to go outside!) This is the time of year we gain the most amount of weight, become most depressed and suffer most from aches and pains in our bodies. Combat the effects of winter with these great options to get out and get fit!
In the first part of our two part series I offered 4 different options: running or walking up and down the stairs; ice skating; playing an indoor sport; or going for a walk or run inside a mall.
If none of those do it for you, consider working out at home. There are many workout dvd’s available or, you could even do a quick YouTube search to find an indoor aerobic routine. These are great options when you have limited space. If you have weights, bands, a jump rop, stability ball or any other equipment, you can incorporate them into a great full body work out!
Experiment with mixing and matching high intensity training with resistance. You could easily burn more calories in 20 to 30 minutes than you would on a treadmill at the gym!
If working out just isn’t your thing, why not work out in the most unconventional way? Turn up the volum on some of your favorite songs and shake it off like Taylor Swift! Dance to two favorite current songs, and three classics. You’ll have a 20 minute workout while making dinner, cleaning the house, or just because!
If you’ve gotten to the end of your day and realized you did nothing active, don’t fret! You can still get a workout in by jogging or skipping while watching TV. You could even do squats, push ups or burpees during commercial breaks. Choose a show you can get lost in so you don’t notice how much you’re working out until you realize the show is over!
If it does end up snowing this season, take advantage of all that snow and head to a snwo=covered field with water resistant trainers or hiking shoes. Ice doesn’t form on grass so you should be safe to run on a field of freshly fallen snow. Try running, jogging, jumping, or just good ol’ playing in the snow! Revisit the child inside of you and enjoy the tranquility of running and playing in fresh snow!
If you want to kick it up a notch, try walking lunges in the snow.These will burn ore calories because your muscles are working harder to stabilize each step. Start small and work your way up!
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of eating and sedentary hibernation. Use these tips to get yourself fit, and treat your sore, aching muscles to a relaxing massage!
