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Don’t let the cold weather stop you from achieving your goals! Here’s how to stay active during the winter time!
Staying active in the winter can be difficult. It can be too cold and the weather is just not as nice as it is during the summer months when I typically do a lot of walking, swimming or other outdoor activities.
If you’re like me, you’re dreaming of the warm weather but you don’t want to pack on the pounds in the winter. There are plenty of ways to stay active during the winter and you might not even have to leave the house.
Here are a few different ways to stay active during the winter months – inside and out!
How to Stay Active During the Winter
Outdoor Fitness Tips in the Winter
You definitely don’t have to keep your workout indoors in the winter. For me, as long as it’s sunny I feel good about heading outside to get in a workout.
Before you head outside to do your workout follow a few simple steps before you leave:
- Warm up inside. Jog in place or do some jumping jacks before heading outdoors.
- Hat, gloves and a base layer with synthetic materials. Synthetic materials like TECHWICK as your base layer will draw the moisture away from your body to help keep you warm unlike cotton layers.
- Listen to your body. The colder weather will make your body work harder so don’t overdo it outdoors!
Here are a few fun ways to get in some outdoor fitness if you’re looking to do something other than run!
Take laps during your lunch break. When I worked, this was everything. I checked the weather before heading out and if the weather was good enough I’d take a few laps around the corner or down to the shops to walk around indoors. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, it’ll boost your energy level for the afternoon.
Outdoor fun. Like skiing or ice skating! I am a terrrrrrrrible skater BUT it is fun to pretend like I’m Michelle Kwan. Also check out local outdoor events. There are markets, fitness races and walks and any festival event that’ll help you get some steps in. Even sightseeing can count!
Indoor Fitness Tips
Head to the mall or Target for a few laps. And shop. Always shop. If you need to run a couple of errands, add a few laps around the store in.
Try a new class. Sign up for a weekly Zumba, kickboxing, yoga or a boot camp.
Do a free trial at a local gym. Gyms always offer a free week or a day to try out their facility. Check out Groupon or Ebates to find a deep discount if you’d like to use a gym for the entire winter.
Check out your local Y. We love our Y! It’s great year round to be a member but we use it so much in the winter. The pools are always open and always warm! Some even offer babysitting as well as a date night option for parents without a babysitter.
Staying on Track at Home in the Winter
Workout Videos. As a stay at home mom, I always use YouTube for free workout videos. Check out my post 7 Free YouTube Channels for Workouts at Home to check out my go-to videos and workouts.
Workout while watching TV. Jog in place during your favorite Netflix show or pop up and do jumping jacks during a commercial break. We watch a lot of sports so the commercial break workout is my favorite. I’ll pick a few different moves ahead of time and switch it up when the commercial changes.
Download a free fitness app. I love my fitness apps and pay for a few different ones. But there are a LOT of free options available and they’re great for an indoor workout without any machines.
You don’t have to give up your workout due to the weather! How do you stay active during the cold winter months?
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