How to Stay Active During the Cold Weather Season

Do you live in a section of the globe where fall and winter are cold and snowy or gray and rainy? If so, it's hard to resist the temptation to ride out the cold weather season curled up on the couch with a good book or movie.

Since exercise is important all year long, below are some tips for how to stay active during the cold weather season, wherever you live.

--Walking During The Cold Weather Season

Walking remains one of the best exercises for staying active and healthy. Rather than letting the cold weather deter you, dress in sweat-wicking layers of clothing, proper foot wear for ice or snow, and enjoy the fresh air all fall and winter.

The warming-up phase of exercise is especially important during cold weather, so do a few slow stretches before stepping outside. Begin your walk using a slow pace, gradually increasing speed and effort after 5 minutes.

Cool down to prevent muscle aches by slowing your pace during the last 5 minutes of your walk. Once inside, again do some slow and easy stretches.

--Taking Your Exercise Routine Indoors During The Cold Weather Season

On the most inclement days of the season, take your walk indoors -- at the mall, that is. Most malls and some schools open early specifically to accomodate walkers during the colder seasons.

Another option is to walk the inner perimeters of a large Wal Mart store enough times to get in your 20-30 minute walk most days of the week.

Invest in a stationary bike or a treadmill for your home to stay active year round. Make it more interesting by listening to some upbeat music, watching an action movie, or using a book prop on your machine.

If you can join a gym, the variety of equipment will help keep you motivated to move during the cold weather season. If your gym has a pool, so much the better. Swimming is an excellent exercise, even for those who suffer chronic pain, as the water supports your weight while you move.

--Partake In Outdoor Sports During The Cold Weather Season

Another excellent way to stay active during the fall and weather months is to embrace outdoor winter sports, such as ice skating, downhill skiing, or cross-country skiing.

Bring the family along and hike winter trails. (Always keep a cell phone with you, just in case. Make sure the GPS function is working.)

Enjoy getting outside and playing with the kids. Build a snow fort or a snowman, or have fun with a snowball fight.

--Motivate Yourself To Stay Active During The Cold Weather Season

Keeping yourself motivated to keep up an exercise program comes easily when you choose an activity that you enjoy. Try varying one form of exercise with another. Find a friend or two to join in, since this, too, will up the fun of exercise.

Since stress can drain anyone of motivation, include some yoga or deep breathing exercises in your routine. Or give once or twice weekly martial arts classes a try. These forms of staying active involve calming the mind while working the body.

You'll soon come to look forward to staying active during the fall and winter as opposed to taking up residence on the couch. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Sources:

Personal Experience
Surveying Others