COLD WEATHER CAN PRESENT CHALLENGES
Up through college intramural activities, I looked forward to basketball season. It was lengthy and I burned as many calories as I wanted to. But I enjoyed playing and never considered it a calorie burner. Basketball practice became part of my daily routine.
Later, I could move my tennis game indoors, but it really wasn’t the same and it was expensive.
As a retired person, I see more challenges. This post will present tips for winter exercise for those who live in places that can be cold in traditional winter months.
A FEW SUGGESTIONS
Indoor workouts.
- Bodyweight exercise. We can do squats, lunges, planks and push-ups to stay fit. We can also go outside for a hike or walk.
- Home gym equipment. Consider investing in basic home equipment, like dumbbells, resistance bands, a treadmill, yoga mat or stability ball. Personally, I work out on my treadmill – at least one mile before breakfast every morning.
Winter sports.
- Ice skating. If you live in an area with frozen lakes or rinks, ice skating is a great way to be active and have fun.
- Skiing or snowboarding. If you have access to ski resorts, hitting the slopes is an excellent way to engage in cardiovascular exercise and build strength.
Outdoor activities.
- Winter hiking or snowboarding. Bundle up and explore snowy trails with winter hiking or snowboarding. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and get a good workout while doing so.
- Cold weather running. If you enjoy running, invest in cold weather running gear, such as thermal leggings. moisture-wicking base layers and a good pair of running shoes designed for winter conditions.
Indoor classes.
- Fitness classes. Many gyms and studios offer virtual fitness classes, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home. There are plenty of options from which to choose – yoga, HIIT, dance and others.
- Online workouts. Platforms like YouTube offer a variety of workout videos for different fitness levels and interests.
Winter cycling.
- Stationary bike. If you enjoy cycling, consider an indoor stationary bike. Some models come with virtual classes to keep us motivated.
AMAZON
Amazon has much to offer in the category of winter fitness. As an Amazon associate, I may place their relevant links within my articles and benefit from purchases made from those links. Each link will provide descriptive details, pictures, price information and suggestions for similar or complementary options.
Nordic Track treadmill. The model shown is the one I use every morning. Very durable and not as expensive as others.
Loop resistance bands – less than $9.00
FINAL THOUGHTS
Be sure to check out my permanent links at the side of my website –
- Bullworker fitness – for high quality home workout tools
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – for the best in athletic equipment and apparel
Living in North Carolina, I enjoy the changing seasons and the accommodations we must make to stay active. As a former tennis player, I was always interested to see how often we could play outdoors in the colder months. Usually, November and December were okay at least half of the time. Not so for January! February was always unpredictable. At times, Spring appeared and, at other times, snow was on the ground for most of the month.
Let’s be adaptable and stay active in the winter. It only takes a bit of planning!
Please leave any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Be well!
