Stay Fit in Cold Weather
It may already be spring, but cold temperatures are still keeping us inside. As the days continue to be on the chillier side, it’s easy to lose motivation in your workout routine and resort to hiding away in the warmth of your bed instead. However, there are still ways to keep yourself fit and healthy, even on the coldest of days.
Break the Winter Blues
Most people can agree that the winter months are generally spent inside. This is a hard habit to break, especially when the outdoors are at freezing temperatures and have much less sunlight. It is natural to want to be in the comfort of a warmer atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on fitness until spring. If you need some motivation to get moving, make a fitness goal for yourself so you have something to strive for. Set your goal to be the beginning spring so you can fend off laziness throughout the winter season. Making a workout calendar can also be beneficial, as it can help you work toward your goal while also providing day-by-day workout plans.
Another good habit to keep in mind is avoiding baggy clothes as much as possible. These tend to increase our laziness, and as loose as they are, they tend to keep us unaware of any bloat or weight gain. Try to wear more form-fitting clothes, such as jeans or leggings that will keep you aware of your figure. Finally, don’t forget to spend as much time in the sun as possible. Even in the cold , a little sunshine and Vitamin D can go a long way for your mood and motivation.
Embrace the Cold
Even in the frosty air, there are plenty of fun, outdoor exercises that can keep that holiday weight away. There is always the option of going for a walk, run, or bike ride- as long as you bundle up properly-but, there are, also, winter-based activities that are great workouts, such as snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating. While these are a lot of fun, they will still make you sweat and sore the next morning. If the weather permits, snow shoveling is yet another fantastic workout. Overall, you don’t have to let the cold keep you from being active outside.
Burn it Out- Indoors
If you struggle with icy temperatures, it’s easy to find workouts that you can do indoors. At home, you can find workout videos anywhere in stores or online. You can break a serious sweat with little to no equipment in the comfort of your own living room. The gym is always an option, but becomes particularly appealing in the winter. Most gyms offer a variety of workout classes that make exercise more enjoyable and motivating. Here at UMD, our fitness facilities hold a long list of weekly classes, such as yoga, zumba, cycling, Barre, and BODYPUMP™.
Workouts for Colder Days
Different seasons call for different workouts! Some people use the winter as a “bulk” period where they grow stronger and develop their muscles, so they can put the extra protein they’re eating during the winter season to good use.If you want to increase muscle mass, work on increasing the repetitions and amount weight you are using when doing strength workouts.
If you are trying to keep your figure while still eating extra holiday and comfort foods, you can increase your usual fat-burning routine. The more cardio you do, the more calories you burn, allowing you to eat more without gaining weight. At the gym, you can do cardio on the treadmill, jump-roping, bicycling, using the elliptical, on top of their usual routine. If you have a nearby indoor pool, like the one at Eppley, swimming is an amazing cardio workout that burns lots of calories and fat.
All in all, the winter doesn’t have to be a time of laziness. There are plenty of ways to still workout, whether you prefer indoors or out. If you stay active and eat healthy, you can be fit into and throughout the new year. After all, why work towards a summer body in the spring when you can still be hot in the winter?
