It’s always a little more motivating to get up and get outside when the sun is shining and the skies are blue. But what about when temperatures plummet, and your cozy blankets are calling? We can help! To keep your body moving and maintain your consistent workouts, here are five suggestions to try this winter.
1. Bundle Up and Get Outdoors
When temperatures are low, it might not be as fun to get outside for a good workout. Even daily tasks, like taking your dog for a walk, are much more enjoyable when you’re not continually thinking about how ready you are to get back into the heat. Dressing for the cold will help make your outdoor experience much better. Bundle up in your warmest clothes and go soak up the Vitamin D! Getting outside in the fresh air and sunlight is still essential during those winter days.
Tip: Start your week by checking the daily forecast and plan your outdoor workouts on the warmest days!
2. Search for At-Home Workouts Online
The internet is full of free at-home workouts! Survivor Fitness has some excellent ones on our YouTube page. To mix it up, you can also find options on Fitness Blender, Yoga Journal, the Nike app, and several others. With a quick Google search, you can find the types of exercise you enjoy doing at the levels you need. Ask friends, family, and your Survivor Fitness community for recommendations of online workouts they love.
3. Join a Local Fitness Facility
Though COVID-19 has kept many of us from being able to get to the gym or participate in group workouts as often, there will be a day when we are able to resume more consistent gym schedules again. When it becomes safe to do so, find an indoor option you can rely on. No matter what types of exercises you enjoy, try looking around to see which local gyms offer those classes or equipment. Fitness centers are especially popular with those who love to swim but have to miss out on their daily pool laps when it’s too chilly to head into the water.
4. Gather Friends for a Walking Group
Accountability makes it easier to stay moving during the winter months. When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to curl up under a blanket and binge-watch your favorite movies or shows. But, having someone who will keep you on a schedule and motivate you can go a long way. Choose an accountability partner or gather your friends for a walking group that meets at a certain time each week. If it’s too cold to bundle up and walk outdoors, try finding an indoor place to walk, such as a local mall or indoor track.
5. Find Daily Opportunities to Keep Moving
Whenever you can, try creating opportunities for yourself to get in some extra movement. These can be small things like taking the stairs instead of an elevator or parking your car further away from the grocery store entrance than you usually would. You can even get your family or spouse involved—have a dance party! Set a step goal for yourself each day, and try to hit that as often as possible, even if that means simply walking around your house. These little opportunities are all around us.
Your Everyday Accountability Partner
Don’t let the cold weather keep you from getting in the exercise that your body thrives on. You can stay moving all winter long with these five tips! Are you or someone you know a cancer survivor? Survivor Fitness helps survivors regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. Contact us today to learn more and sign up for our newsletter for continued information!
