Winter Fitness: How to Stay Motivated to Move When It’s Cold Outside
When the days get shorter and a chill settles in the air, it’s all too easy to trade your sneakers for slippers and declare a fitness hiatus until spring. That cozy blanket and a good book start to look a lot more appealing than a brisk walk in the cold. However, a winter fitness routine is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. Here are some ways to move that keep your spirits high and your body healthy, even when the weather outside is frightful.
Why Winter Fitness Workouts Are So Good for You
Winter fitness might seem like a chore, but it comes with some surprisingly wonderful benefits. For one, you don’t have to deal with the oppressive heat and humidity of summer. That crisp, cool air can feel invigorating, waking up your senses and putting a little extra spring in your step.
In fact, some studies suggest you might be able to work out for longer in colder temperatures, which means you could burn a few extra calories. Plus, getting outside on a sunny winter day is a fantastic way to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. This can do wonders for your mood, helping to fend off the winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And let’s not forget that regular, moderate exercise is a known immunity booster—something we can all appreciate during cold and flu season.
How to Stay Active and Safe Outdoors
The secret to outdoor winter fitness workouts? Layers, layers, layers! Dressing properly is the key to staying warm, dry, and safe from the elements.
Your first instinct might be to reach for a cotton shirt, but it’s best to resist. Cotton traps moisture, so once you start to sweat, it will leave you feeling damp and even colder. Instead, start with a base layer made from a moisture-wicking fabric, like the kind you find in performance sportswear. This will pull sweat away from your skin. Next, add a cozy layer of fleece for insulation. Finally, top it all off with a thin, waterproof jacket to protect you from wind and precipitation.
Don’t forget to protect your extremities! A warm hat, gloves, and thick socks are essential for preventing heat loss. And even though you might not feel as thirsty as you do in the summer, it’s still important to drink plenty of water. You can become dehydrated in the cold just from breathing and sweating.
Fun winter fitness outdoor activities to try:
- A brisk walk or hike on a sunny trail
- Jogging through your neighborhood
- Ice skating at a local rink
- Building a snowman or having a snowball fight with family
- Raking the last of the autumn leaves
Creating a Cozy Indoor Winter Fitness Routine
Of course, there will be days when heading outside just isn’t in the cards. When the wind is howling and the snow is piling up, you don’t have to give up on your fitness goals. You can create a warm and inviting workout space right in your own home.
Think of winter fitness routines as the perfect opportunity for some cross-training. This is a great time to work on different muscle groups and try new things. You could roll out a yoga mat for a gentle flow, put on your favorite playlist, and have a dance party in the living room, or even get a great workout by doing some active housework like vacuuming and scrubbing.
If you want to add a little more intensity, you don’t need a full home gym. A set of hand weights or resistance bands can be incredibly versatile. You can also find countless free workout videos online, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Pilates and barre.
Cozy indoor workout ideas:
- Follow along with an online yoga or dance class
- Create a simple home workout circuit with squats, lunges, and push-ups
- Climb the stairs in your home or apartment building
- Try a fun group class at a local community center
- Go bowling or roller skating with friends
Listen to Your Body and Find Your Joy
The most important part of mental winter fitness is to find what feels good for you. This season is a time for warmth, comfort, and self-care. Your exercise routine should reflect that. Don’t force yourself into a workout you dread. Instead, focus on movement that brings you joy and leaves you feeling energized and happy.
By embracing the unique opportunities that winter offers, you can keep your body moving, your mind clear, and your spirits bright all season long.
