It
can be difficult to stay active in the wintertime when it's chilly out. Winter
is the time to cuddle under a blanket by a fire, right? It can be difficult to
motivate yourself to stay active, but you have options for indoors and
outdoors! Keep reading for a few ideas for staying active in the winter months.
There
are a few positives of exercising in the winter:
- Luckily in the winter, you do
not have to deal with heat or humidity.
- The cold winter air can allow
you to exercise even longer, meaning you can burn even more calories.
- Exercising outside is a great
way to get your vitamin D from the limited hours of sunlight to curb any
seasonal depression.
- Working out for even a few
minutes a day can help boost your immune system during cold and flu season.
Tip #1: Stay Warm
Dress
in multiple layers to stay warm and dry in the winter months. Low temperatures,
strong winds, and wet weather can easily make you develop hypothermia and
frostbite if you aren't prepared. Wearing layers of clothes can help trap your
body heat and act as insulation against the elements. However, stay away from
cotton. When cotton gets wet, it will make you feel colder and wetter. Instead,
use a base layer of sportswear to pull moisture away from your skin, next a
layer of fleece, then a thin waterproof layer.
Several
outdoor activities you can try are:
- Walking and hiking
- Jogging and running
- Raking leaves
- Skiing
- Shoveling snow
Tip #2: Know the Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia
is when the body temperature goes below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This happens
when your body can't produce enough energy to keep the normal body temperature
of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include lack of coordination, confusion,
slurred speech, cold feet and hands, and shivering.
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Just
because it is cold outside doesn't mean you don't need to stay hydrated. The
indicator of thirst shows you are already dehydrated. Continue drinking a good
amount of water to keep your body healthy.
Tip #4: Get exercise indoors
Instead
of just sitting on the couch watching tv, find a way to get exercise in. Try
doing a short workout during commercial breaks or in between episodes.
A few indoor activities you can try are:
- A home workout video
- Dancing
- Active housework such as
vacuuming or mopping
- Yoga
- Going up & down a
staircase
Just
because it's cold outside doesn't mean your workout plan has to stop. Use these
tips to stay fit and healthy during the winter months!
Sources:
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/how-to-stay-active-in-cold-weather
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/11-ways-to-stay-active-in-winter