Ideas for Staying Active During the Winter Months

When winter arrives usually I dream of bundling up and taking a nice long hibernation. However this is neither healthy nor logical so instead I find alternative means to stay healthy and happy during the icy, cold months. So grab your warmest gear and follow me on my journey to an active winter in wonderland.

1. Embrace the ice and skate to your heart's desire
Usually the thought of driving on ice can causes drivers to cringe and grow anxious. But ice skating is a very positive experience that's full of laughter as you gliding effortlessly and gracefully. Ice skating is wonderful approach to burning away the calories and winter blues. To prepare for ice skating wear a jacket and gloves to protect you from the cold and heavy duty socks to provide comfort for your feet. If you are new to skating, wear padding for your knees and elbows to prevent harmful injuries. Going with a group of friends can be very entertaining and encourages you to be more active through the participation of fun and interactive skating games.

2. It's not too cold to bicycle at the gym
With the freezing temperatures, frosty winters and cold fronts bicycling outdoors can be daunting, but thankfully the gym is still available. To prevent boredom try bringing along a captivating magazine or enrolling in a bicycling class for support. Check out your local YMCA to view the various bicycling programs and decide which program fits your needs to most. The recent Wii exercise bike is making the combination of exercise and video gaming possible in the comfort of your own home. Make sure to bring water to stay hydrated and wear clothing suitable for exercise. Warm up by stretching to prepare your body and afterward cool off to gain maximum benefits from your works and lower the risk of injury.

3. Busy yourself with winter time cleaning to prepare for the holidays
Instead of waiting to the last minute to tidy up your wintry abode now is the perfect to create a polished atmosphere. To make cleaning more enjoyable turn on your favorite songs and takes dances breaks. While washing the dishes I play some of my favorite Greek and Lebanese music to belly dance which can significantly reduce the boredom. Work out the arms and legs while dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, . Once decorations are ready for set up you will be more than ready to design.

4. Obtain inner peace and mediate the holiday stress with yoga
To improve your flexibility and build strength consider taking a yoga class or investing in yoga DVDs. Yoga is usually done in a relaxing and friendly setting which is sure to calm you down after the winter storms. While at home you can light up some scented candles to cheer up the mood. For safety reasons, consult doctor before engaging in activities such as yoga and do the stretches correctly to optimize benefits.

5. Get in tune with your body and learn to play an instrument
Instead of just listening to your favorite Christmas ballad, try developing your talents to become your own musician. Playing an instrument, such as piano, guitar, violin, tumba, etc can be a productive, uplifting activity which can motivate you to do more intense exercising. It also enhances your emotional health and brain capacity from analyzing the pieces, to sight playing at a rapid speed and feeling accomplished hearing a beautiful melodies being created at your own fingertips.