Frost, flurries and frigid temperatures. Yup, winter is definitely here. But for all of you out there pouting about packing away your bathing suit and running shorts, it’s time to stop your winter whining. Just because summer has headed south doesn’t mean your fun and fitness goals have to follow. If you’re looking for cool ways to keep moving during the cold months, read on. Here are eight great ways to fit winter into your workout schedule:
Ice-skating
Hit the rink and feel the burn! Skating is a fab lower-body and cardiovascular workout, and an hour on ice can burn upwards of 400 calories.
Ice hockey
Grab a group of friends, a stick, puck and some head gear, and go for the goal!
Not near a rink? No problem! Skip the skates and take to the street: ball hockey is another fun outdoor sport to try. Just be sure to avoid playing on busy roads though, because speeding motorists aren’t likely to respect your “no body contact” rule.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
These two sports provide great upper- and lower-body workouts. But with the rush of the ride and beauty of the landscape, potential fitness benefits will be the furthest thing from your mind.
Cross-country skiing
Jack Frost be damned! Take to the trails and you’ll be sweating buckets. An hour-long session of skiing on flat terrain can burn nearly 1,000 calories and will work your upper and lower body, as well as your core.
Snowshoeing
The perfect cold-weather alternative for walkers, hikers and joggers, snowshoeing is a great low-impact cardio workout. It also challenges your lower body, and will have you burning more calories because of the added weight of the snowshoes.
Winter running
For the truly dedicated, running during the snowy season is an option. There are plenty of trails designed specifically for winter, and with the proper clothing and footwear, it’s a super way to stay svelte. Just be sure to stay tuned in to your body: it’s easy to overheat or dehydrate.
Sledding
You’re never too old to hurl yourself down a hill on a flimsy piece of plastic, and all that trekking to the top will keep your lower half tight and toned through the snowy season.
Snowball fight
Heck YES this mischievous activity counts as exercise. I mean, if dodgeball is considered a sport, think of this as its cold-weather cousin. And if your unsuspecting victims get ticked, tell them you’re working out. An hour of winter warfare can burn upwards of 300 calories!
It’s true, cold weather requires a little extra planning and a lot of extra clothing, but try to look at it not as an inconvenience, but as an adventure! Take a break from the gym, head for the great outdoors and see how wonderful winter can be for your waistline!
