Tips for Staying Active During Cold Weather

Cold, dark winter weather tends to squash motivation to exercise. I know all to well the feeling of wanting to curl up on the couch in a blanket all day. But really, when I do actually get up the motivation to exercise, I end up feeling much warmer and better overall. So here are some ideas to help you get out of the winter laziness blues and get moving.

First of all, think about how warm you'll feel once you begin. I know it's hard to put on workout clothes when it's cold, but the payoff is really worth it. There's really no better way to warm up than exercise.
You can always get pajamas that double as workout clothes (or vice versa) so when you're just lying around in your sweats, you can get up and go straight into exercise without changing. That might make it a bit easier to motivate yourself.
Also, start off small. Don't decide you have to do an hour and a half of exercise or commit to an exercise tape. Just decide to do something, without giving yourself a time expectation. That way it makes it easier to get started. Once you do start, you'll probably get into it and actually end up being inclined to do more than you expected. But even if that's not the case, just start small and don't worry about it. Putting unrealistic expectations on yourself will only make exercising seem more intimidating and make you less likely to do it.
However, getting into a routine is a good way to keep up with it. Just deciding to set aside the same time every other day (or even once or twice a week at first, or every day once you get into it) to do some exercise (without putting a limit on what to do or how long to do it for) will help keep you in the habit.
Having an exercise buddy can also be good motivation. You can either get together to exercise or, if your schedules or locations don't work out, just talk over the phone/e-mail--just having someone supportive to report back to will help you stay motivated.
Try to find exercise that you enjoy. There are so many different kinds of exercise--no one should ever feel like there's only one good way to do it, or that exercise isn't and never will be fun. Exercise can and should be fun! That's the best way to ensure that you keep doing it. Part of the problem is that we have a tendency to think of exercise as a strict, regimented activity when really there are plenty of kinds of exercise, and plenty of ways to make it fun. Always remember that.

There are plenty of great indoor exercises you can do in the winter, even if you (like me) prefer outdoor exercise. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1) Exercise videos: There are so many exercises videos these days, and they vary wildly. There must be something for everyone there. So check them out on amazon.com (they have a huge selection and many you can buy used for cheap) or rent a few to see what you like. Personally, I like dance videos, especially Latin dance. It's so fun I don't feel like I'm exercising, plus I'm learning all kinds of dance steps. And there are plenty of other styles of dance--hip-hop, ballroom, jazz, ballet, belly, the list goes on and on...but if dancing isn't your thing, there's always yoga, pilates, kickboxing, fit ball, weight lifting, tae bo and more. Try a bunch; you're bound to find something you'll like.

2) Dancing: Even if exercise videos aren't really your thing, you can always just put on some of your favorite music and dance. Or, another great alternative, go out dancing. See if you can find a local contra dance (check it out on wikipedia), or a swing dance, or go to a local dance club. Or invite some friends over for a dance party.

3) Cleaning: There's a great way to multitask. Vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, mopping, scrubbing, and more: these can all be great ways to get moving. Putting on music is a good way to get your energy up and get you moving faster. So instead of just cleaning listlessly and grudgingly, put on some music, make it fun, do it faster, move more, and enjoy it. You'll be killing two birds with one stone and you'll feel great when you're finished.

4) Stairs: If you live in a two story house, make use of your staircase. Walking/running up stairs is fantastic exercise. You don't have to do it for long (I know, it gets a little boring after a while), but running up and down the stairs for a bit every day is a great way to fit some exercise in. And it's so convenient--you don't have to leave the house, you don't need any special equipment, it won't cost any extra money. Not to mention, once you do that a bit, it may put you in the mood for more exercise. Follow it up with some stretching or yoga.

5) Make up your own exercise routine: If you like having variation and complete creative control, why not just make up your own routines that you can do inside? Some jumping jacks, some weight lifting, stretching, running in place, lunges, whatever you like. Mix and match, add some music, do it with friends, whatever you like. If you devise a routine you really like, write it down and try to do it at least a few times a week.

6) Swimming in an indoor pool: if you belong to a gym (or have the money to join one) with an indoor pool, swimming can be a great winter exercise. If you're lucky enough to belong to a gym with a pool and hot tub, swim some laps then reward yourself by sitting in the hot tub for a bit. You'll feel so relaxed (and warm!) by the time you get home that you'll have no problem motivating yourself to do it again (and again, and again...). Even if laps bore you, you can get some exercise in by playing. Bring a friend, spouse, or kid and have fun. Do races, play HORSE if there's a basketball net, toss a ball around, whatever. Just make it fun.

There are plenty more ways to exercise. Anything that gets you moving that you enjoy enough to continue doing is good. So don't put it off--the longer you do the harder it will seem. Just do it now! Get off the computer and get moving. And have fun!