The cold winter months are approaching – a time when many people abandon their exercise routine. Big mistake! Between holiday celebrations with too many high calorie foods and long, lazy evenings spent lounging by the fireplace, the extra pounds can pack on fast.
Despite the cold temperatures, it’s important to continue to exercise to stay healthy and prevent weight gain. Otherwise, it could be tough squeezing into those size six shorts come the spring! What are some creative ways to exercise in cold weather?
To Exercise in the Winter Do It in Spurts
Keep in mind that every little bit of exercise counts. Studies have shown that short bursts of exercise are just as effective as more sustained exercise sessions. Look for every chance to throw in a five or ten minute burst of exercise. Don’t walk to the mailbox; jog or sprint instead. Turn housecleaning into an exercise session by doing it with enthusiasm. Go up and down the stairs in your house for ten minutes straight. A trip to the grocery store can be turned into an exercise session by moving quickly through the store. Take every opportunity to burn more calories.
Stay Motivated With a Pedometer
It’s hard to stay motivated to exercise in the winter. For additional exercise incentive, get a pedometer and make it a goal to take 10,000 steps a day. Then aim for 12,000. Pedometers are one of the best tools for motivation because they turn exercise into a game and they offer accountability.
To Exercise in Cold Weather, Develop a Library of Exercise DVDs
An exercise DVD makes it easy to exercise anytime in any weather. Develop a library of diverse exercise DVDs that offer lots of variety. Try a completely different workout every day and reap the benefits without ever leaving home. Pick up used exercise DVDs at yard sales during the summer to stay active during the winter. Many libraries also carry exercise DVDs.
To Exercise in Cold Weather, Head for the Mall
The mall is a fun place to get a workout regardless of the weather. Arrive at the mall before the traffic gets heavy and move quickly up and down the corridors. For even more challenge, go up and down the stairs a few times. The reward? A healthy breakfast in the food court.
Try a Winter Sport
One of the most satisfying ways to exercise in cold weather is to take up a winter sport. Ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding are all good cold weather sports that give a heart pumping workout. Take along a friend and do it together. What could be better than exercise and recreation at the same time?
There’s no reason to put exercise on hold just because it’s cold outside. Be creative and keep on exercising this winter. The reward will be a more healthy body come the spring.
References:
Journal of Applied Physiology. April 2005
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