How to Stay Active as the Weather Turns Cold

When you’re used to physical activity, you’ll want to stay active even in cold weather. However, when you live in a bitterly cold climate or experience winter events like blizzards, blowing snow, and ice storms, it’s good to have an indoor backup plan. 

Don’t let inactivity lower your energy levels or cause joint stiffness or tight muscles. A routine doesn’t have to be complicated or intense to increase your mental and physical health. Here are some ways to keep your joints moving and your muscles warm during the winter. 

A Simple Indoor Routine

To stay active, set up a small exercise routine. Designate a time of day, whether daytime or evening, to move. Spend 10-20 minutes keeping your muscles engaged and your joints warm. If you’re consistent with the routine at least three to four days a week, it’ll feel more natural, not forced. 

No special equipment is needed. You can get through some helpful exercises by using your own body weight. When the cold weather halts your outdoor fitness routine, short indoor workouts keep you active. 

Walking or Marching

If you have enough space, walk laps inside your house. This is an easy activity. If there’s not much room, march in place. It works as well. These movements increase your heart rate, warm your muscles, and prepare your body for the day. All it takes is five minutes of walking or marching to unstiffen your joints and increase circulation.

Stretching For Flexibility

Cold weather may make you feel stiff, but stretching can relieve tight muscles and keep joints flexible. Stretching is good at any time of day, such as early morning, during breaks, or before bed. Stretch your legs, hips, back, shoulders, and neck in whichever order you choose. These areas usually feel stiffest in winter. Regular stretching increases flexibility so that shoveling snow or carrying wood feels easier. 

Videos or Online Classes

YouTube is full of exercise videos to stay active at home. You can do Pilates, yoga, low-impact routines, and strength training without going to a gym. Choose videos based on your fitness level as they range from beginner to advanced. 

Household Items for Movement

No need to purchase expensive workout items. Get creative and use things you have around the house. For sliding exercises, you can employ a towel. A wall can support your squats, and a countertop can help you practice balance. You can do gentle step-ups with indoor steps. You can create an indoor gym by using what’s available around you. 

Making Movement Work

Forget long workouts to keep you fit during the winter. Movement in small, intermittent bursts can add up. You can stretch every hour, take a short walk before a meal, or walk while talking on the phone. Small habits like these help you stay active by keeping you moving when it’s cold outside. 

Balance Exercises

Cold weather increases the risk of falls, especially on icy sidewalks. When you practice balancing indoors, you’ll be steadier when you have to go outside. Stand on one leg near a counter, or slowly shift your body weight from side to side. These simple exercises help strengthen your core, as well as your legs and ankles. You need these muscles to stay upright when you’re on slippery ground. 

Stay Motivated

Having a goal will make indoor fitness easier. Make a weekly schedule, track your steps, and set a time to move. Motivation and moving are equally important.  

Conclusion

Staying active during the cold weather isn’t difficult. All it takes is a plan. You can choose a simple routine, walk or march, stretch, or select a video workout. To avoid cost, you can use household items or bursts of movement to increase activity. The main thing is to avoid letting winter stiffen you up. Keep your joints and muscles warm and loose, even in harsh outside conditions.