Ways to Stay Fit During Winter

Brrrrrr. Looks like Old Man Winter is on his way. And when the cold blustery weather does arrive, it sure can make it tough to keep up with your fitness routine. After all, who wants to go for a run when you have to bundle up in bulky clothing. But if you think winter means staying inside and missing out on a ton of fun activities, think again. Here are some great ways to stay fit and keep yourself motivated this time of year. Take up a winter sport There’s nothing like trying out a new winter activity to get you fired up—and off that sofa. So, if you’re looking to put a fresh spin on your cold-weather workout plans, take up a new winter sport. While my favourite winter activity is snow shoeing, there are many other options, like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, or even sledding. After all, charging up a hill, pulling a sled behind you will keep your legs pumping and offer up some serious cardio. Get walking or running If blazing down the slopes or lacing up a pair of ice skates isn’t your cup of tea, you can always go for a run or a brisk walk. It’s not only a terrific way to burn some calories, but also great for beating the winter blahs. Just remember to dress for the cold by layering up and wearing the appropriate footwear, as slipping and hurting yourself will end your winter workout routine before it really begins. Go play outside Ah, winter. It brings back a flood of wonderful childhood memories. Remember the good old days? You were so busy having fun in the snow that you never had the time to notice the cold. So, why not tap into those recollections of your younger self and go outside to play? There’s a host of winter activities you can do that will build your muscles and boost your heartrate, like sliding down a hill on a crazy carpet, building a snowman (or snowwoman), and taking a nature walk through the snowy woods. Heck, even making snow angels will improve your flexibility and range of motion. Volunteer over the holiday season Winter is synonymous with the holiday season. And while you’re picking out presents, preparing holiday goodies, and planning family get-togethers, it’s also the time of year to think about the less fortunate. Organize a toy drive, work at a soup kitchen, collect donations for a food bank— volunteering can be a great way to give back to the community and keep physically active during the cold months. Join a gym Still not willing to brave the cold? One of the simplest ways to stay active through the chilly months is to join a gym. Many health clubs offer up a smorgasbord of indoor activities and classes to keep you fit all winter long, including a variety of weights, cardio equipment, fitness classes, swimming, yoga, spin classes, and more. You can also bring a friend along to help you stay motivated and stick with it until the warm weather returns. What if you're dealing with joint aches? If you’re one of the many who suffer from joint aches and stiffness—especially if it’s made worse by the cold weather—then getting active this winter may seem an insurmountable challenge. The thing is, avoiding movement and activity is not a good solution, as some level of exercise can actually be beneficial for your joints. Wear and tear, injuries, and internal imbalances can lead to inflammation that causes pain. So, it obviously makes sense to look for ways to manage that inflammation. A simple solution is to take SierraSil capsules or powder daily. As your joint pain improves, you’ll be ready to get on your gear and get moving!