Stay Active This Winter

Less daylight, slippery roads and cold weather make staying active during the winter months challenging. But your activity level doesn’t have to drop with the temperature. Check out these tips to keep active all winter long:

Turn everyday tasks into a workout

Find small ways to incorporate movement into your daily life. Do sit-ups during commercials, heel raises while washing the dishes, squats while folding laundry or even emphasize your movements while vacuuming. Create a fun playlist to use as encouragement throughout your day!

Use the Internet to your advantage

Get a good workout without leaving your home. With thousands of videos varying in length, ability level and equipment, there is a workout for anyone. Not sure where to start? Try looking at Fitness Blender’s YouTube channel.

Get creative

No equipment? No problem! Use items around the house as weights. Books, water jugs, bags filled with canned foods, bags of rice, laundry detergent jugs and paint cans are all great substitutes for dumbbells. Use these items for weighted lunges, squats, Russian twists, bicep curls, tricep extensions and more. Try this 20-minute household item workout!

Stay on a schedule

Consistency is key! If possible, keep your workouts on the same days at the same times. This can build the habit to the point that it becomes second nature. Print out a calendar to track the days you complete your workouts.

Make it fun

Who says staying active has to be boring? Grab your family and go to your local ice skating rink, sledding hill or ski lift. Even walking through the snow can elevate your heart rate and work your muscles. Or, if you want to stay out of the cold, take your family to an indoor activity park like Sky Zone or Urban Air.

Try something new

Switch up your routine with a new exercise method. Try a new class, like Zumba, kickboxing, Pilates, indoor swimming lessons or yoga. Go with a friend to make it even more fun. The best part is that they are all indoors!