Exercising in the Winter
- Short days and long nights can lead to lack of energy or exhaustion. Exercise can help to re-energize you.
- Lack of sunlight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression or a case of the blues. Exercise can help improve mood.
- Seasonal hustle and bustle during the holidays often leads to poor eating habits and weight gain. Exercise can help keep your weight in check.
- Cold or nasty weather may make you more sedentary. Exercise gets you up and moving.
- Many shopping malls open early for indoor walkers. Take advantage of this, walking in the mornings before the mall opens up. If you window shop while you walk, you may also get a jump on holiday gift ideas.
- Consider joining a gym and using their equipment or purchasing fitness equipment like an indoor treadmill. Some gyms have really fun fitness options like martial arts classes or a climbing wall, which can make your winter workouts new and exciting.
Outdoor Exercise Safety
- Wear reflective clothing and bright exercise lights so that cars can see you, no matter what the lighting conditions.
- Avoid walking or jogging on icy paths or roadways.
- Dress in wicking layers that keep you warm but pull moisture away from your body. Wear synthetic fabrics that breathe closest to your body. Several thin layers will work far better than one bulky layer.
- In extremely cold conditions, keep fingers covered with gloves.
- Wear a hat when you exercise outdoors because heat escapes through the top of the head.
- Don't forget to stay hydrated, even when you don't feel like you're sweating.
- Wear an outer layer of waterproof material like Gore-Tex.
- Keep a cell phone with you in case of emergency.
Motivation
- Find an exercise buddy to keep you motivated, or join a group.
- Exercise at the same time every day. If you schedule a time to do it, you'll be less likely to skip it.
- Set fitness goals that you'd like to achieve.
