Ways to Stay Active this Winter

Looking for ways to stay active this winter? When winter blows in, it’s important to break away from your cozy couch and fireplace. Suit up and head outdoors for a winter adventure! These active ideas will get you moving and feeling your best.

Find a fun activity.

Skiing, snowboarding, hockey and ice skating are all fun ways to embrace and enjoy these cold winter months. But don’t forget to be creative in the winter, find an indoor pool and go for a swim or create a home gym in your living room or basement and use equipment that you have on hand or buy some inexpensive items such as a workout mat, stretch bands, free weights, and a stability ball. Walk at an indoor location, like a mall. If you need extra motivation to get yourself going, join a walking group. Or start your own with family and friends.

Layers, layers and more layers.

It’s all about the layers in the winter to optimize your active time in the frigid outdoors. Layering provides the most effective way to stay warm and dry. Plus you can remove the top layer if you get too hot. The layer closest to your skin should allow moisture to be wicked away; avoid cotton because once it gets wet, it tends to stay wet. The top layer should be both wind- and water-resistant.

Stay hydrated.

It's just as important to stay hydrated when active in the winter as it is in summer, even though you might not feel as thirsty. Drink water before, during and after an outdoor workout. Smart tip: carry a thermos with herbal tea.

Use daylight hours.

If possible, it's best to be active outdoors while it is still light out. But shorter days may make that difficult. If you choose to work out while it’s dark, try to wear reflective materials on your clothing to stay safe.

Climb stairs.

Either at home or in your workplace, spend as little as five minutes at a time climbing up and down the stairs for a very intense and efficient workout. Walk wherever you can, take an extra 5-10 minutes every hour at work to stand up, stretch and take a short walk around your work campus to improve your circulation and keep you feeling energized.

Shovel the snow.

That’s right, clear your driveway and porch the good old fashioned way with a shovel in hand. This is a great upper body, core, and cardio workout. Don’t forget to rest as needed and wear your layers -- protective gloves, boots, jacket, hat, snow pants, etc.

We hope you can get out there and enjoy some fun winter activities! Let us know your favorite ways to stay active in the winter.