While it may not be as fun to stay active when the temperatures are colder and the sun sets so early, there are a few advantages when it comes to remaining active during the winter months. You don’t have to worry about the heat and humidity, you can boost your immunity during cold and flu season, and of course, maintain an active lifestyle. To learn how you can reap these benefits, take a look at these three tips for staying active during the season of chilly temperatures.
- Bundle Up: You don’t have to miss out on your brisk walks or trips outside just because the temps have dropped. Simply make sure you’re wearing the proper warm weather gear to hold in your body heat. Start with base layers such as thermals to trap body heat. Add your sweatshirts or jackets, followed by hats, scarves and gloves to keep every part of your body protected from those nippy temperatures. Make sure your layers are water-wicking as to not absorb moisture from snow or sleet.
- Turn Your Household Chores into a Full Body Workout: Thankfully, we don’t have to build a winter shelter, but taking care of your home can be a full body workout! Did you know that shoveling snow for 30 minutes can burn around 220 calories based on a body weight of 155 pounds? That’s right! Doing your household chores this winter can help you shed the pounds. If you don’t get snow in your neck of the woods, deep cleaning your home can burn the same amount of calories with effort exerted.
- Pick up a Winter Sport: Everyone agrees on the phrase “work hard play hard”, and there’s no better way to embrace the winter weather than by picking up a winter sport. While you don’t have to go the extreme sports route like snowboarding, there are plenty of other options such as sledding or cross country skiing. Try a hike or snowshoeing through the peaceful, snowy landscape. Are you a wheelchair user? You could join a winter sports team, like a wheelchair hockey team or sit skiing club. Not only do you have the chance to be outside and be active, but you can make new friends.
No matter how you plan to stay active this winter, always remember to properly hydrate and wear the correct gear for whatever activity you may be partaking in. Have your own tips for staying active during the winter? Share them in the comments below!