Workouts don’t have to disappear with the warm weather
It doesn’t take much more than a warm and cozy bed to ignore the alarm clock and the plan to hit the gym when the winter months arrive. The task of wearing layer-upon-layer is exhausting just thinking about it, while clearing the snow off your car is a thought you’d rather not even entertain.
The fact of the matter is, though, we can’t hibernate – no matter how much we try to – and staying active is important, not just for our physical health, but for our mental health as well. Try some of these suggestions to stay happy and healthy this winter!
1) Add in some play time
The cold weather might make you want to hit snooze on the alarm clock to avoid the outside (and the gym) at all costs, but who says cold weather can’t be fun? Say no to the gym every once in a while for a fun day outside. Mix in some snow angels, or even an old-fashioned snowball fight (an average of 319 calories burned per hour). Skating is also a fun exercise, and it can be done both in and outdoors and boasts an average loss of 450 calories per hour.
2) Get involved in a winter sport
Sports are always more fun than the gym, so why not take up a winter sport? Anything from skiing to snowboarding to hockey will get you up and active this winter – and you’ll have fun in the process.
3) Work out at home
The cold isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you should use snow and below-zero weather as an excuse! Trying a new workout DVD at home, playing Dance Dance Revolution with your roommates, or even just running the stairs a few times could be sufficient on those lazier winter days.
4) Try something new
New is always better than old, right? With that logic, it’s time to get out there and sign up for indoor volleyball or that bootcamp you’ve always been too afraid to try. The winter months can definitely be strong enough to hold people down, and the excitement of something you’ve always wanted to try is a good way to stay energized and motivated on those days you’d rather stay in bed.
5) Set goals, not resolutions
Rather than focusing on what you want to stop doing as the New Year begins and the winter continues, set goals for things you want to accomplish. For most of us, resolutions hardly last part the month of January, especially when they’re fitness related. To avoid the novelty wearing off on your new found inspiration in 2015, set little goals that will continue to keep you feeling accomplished and motivated. A goal could be as simple as doing one full pull-up, or running around the block without having to stop, before the end of the month. Sometimes the little successes are the most important.
6) Be positive
A lot of people don’t like winter – that just might be the understatement of the year. Putting attention on the things you do love about this season will certainly be more productive and fulfilling. If it wasn’t for winter, you wouldn’t be able to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate to watch a movie with the significant other, and you wouldn’t be able to eat delicious in-season products like chestnuts, for example. Focusing on the positives will help you remain excited and driven to stay active and healthy.