Blog

Cold Weather Blues: How to Stay Active All Winter Long

As the weather gets colder, it gets easier and easier to curl up on the couch and never want to leave. However, these couch relaxation sessions feel even better after getting up and getting your heart rate going. The combination of an active routine and a cozy couch can really make this cold winter season at the beginning of the new year one of the best times of the year.

How to Stay Active All Winter Long

Stay inside

Once the cold weather hits, staying inside has a certain amount of charm. In addition, being somewhere warm while exercising allows you to keep muscles warm and ready to get active.

Make use of your living room

Exercising at home is a viable option. If you exercise at home, you don’t even need to go into the cold to drive anywhere! Set up a yoga mat, some light weights and a workout video on your phone on your floor. As with all exercise, make sure to perform a slow warm-up and perform a light stretch after your workout. .

Walk the mall

An indoor shopping mall has long hallways and usually isn’t too busy during the day. On your lunch break or on your way back from work, stopping at the mall to take a walk around is a good option. Walking gets the heart rate up, the muscles warm and the body moving.

Join a gym

For the coldest months, consider trying out a gym membership. Some gyms have a reduced rate for the first month, so make use of the deal when the temps become too cold to exercise outside.

Just keep swimming

While at the gym, try adding swimming to your routine. Swimming is a low-impact sport, which means it’s gentle on your body and your joints. If you have persistent back pain or injuries, swimming can be a good option, as it is a workout that doesn’t put extra strain on your spine.

Take the stairs

Incorporating the stairs into a daily routine is another easy way to stay active. Plus, it warms you up if you’re coming in from the cold outside. Your blood will be pumping as you walk into work or your home.

Try a new class

Whether at the gym, a new workout place, or the local rec center, trying a new type of activity can be something fun to do with a friend. Ask your family and friends for ideas on what classes to try out and then ask them to join you!

Think outside

Make use of the cold and try some outside activities. When there’s snow on the ground and the pond is frozen over, there’s plenty of fun activities to do outside that can get your heart rate pumping.

Skate it off

Local ice rinks and ponds usually have rentals to make ice skating a fun activity for you and your friends and family. Try buying your own skates and going regularly for a consistent exercise routine. Find a group of other beginners and strap on some extra layers for protection against slips or bumps.

Hit the slopes

If you are up for a brief drive, make an afternoon of it and hit the slopes at the Grand Geneva, Wilmot or Alpine. Your core and legs will be nicely sore from use after a day of skiing or snowboarding. Cozying up by a fire in the lodge provides a nice opportunity to take healthy breaks.

Take a hike

Use snowshoes or thick winter boots and make use of the empty trails at a local park. The quiet snowfall and the brisk air can make for a winter wonderland. The resistance from the snow on the trails provides a solid workout.

While staying active this winter, either inside or outside, remember to keep up with chiropractic visits. Chiropractic’s preventative care makes exercise safer and more effective. At Van Ness Chiropractic, Dr. Van Ness and Dr. Parkin are both athletes who treat athletes. Drs. Van Ness, Parkin and Sabri will help with both preventative care and rehabilitation, so make an appointment to benefit fully from your wintertime activity. Call 847-842-8070 or click here to get started.