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Winterize Your Exercise, Indoors and Out
Beat the Midwinter Workout Blues
Has old man winter blown away some of your exercise motivation? Even though it’s cold outside, your muscles still need to feel the burn. Beat midwinter workout blahs by switching things up.
If you want to get some fresh air and sunshine this winter, try some of these ideas:
- You can still have a daily run, walk, bike or hike. Just be sure to add layers to stay warm.
- Clean up the garden and yard.
- Hit the tennis court. You’ll warm up quickly when you’re playing. If the courts are snowy or icy, try platform tennis. It’s played on an elevated, heated platform.
If you live in a snowy area, use it to your advantage:
- Borrow or rent shoes for snowshoeing.
- Shovel your walk (or your neighbor’s).
- Go sledding or snowtubing. The hike back up the hill is good exercise.
- Break out the cross-country skis. The winter equivalent of riding a bike, it gives your lower body a great workout. Using the poles works your arms, back and chest muscles.
- For those of you who want to stay warm and toasty inside:
- Stretch your muscles with a live yoga class or an online yoga video at home.
- Hit the pool or indoor track at your local YMCA or community center.
- Spend the morning walking through your area art museum.
- Scrabble up a rock wall at a climbing gym.
- Find a roller rink or other indoor place to show off your 1990’s roller blading moves.
If you decide to brave the cold, check the forecast for the time you'll be outside. Knowing the temperature, wind and moisture, along with the length of time that you'll be outside, is key to planning a safe cold-weather workout. Be sure to check the wind chill index in addition to the temperature. Wind chill extremes can make exercising outdoors unsafe even if you dress warmly. Any exposed skin is subject to frostbite.
Almost everyone can exercise safely during cold weather. However, if you have certain conditions, such as asthma, heart problems or Raynaud's disease, check with your doctor before you work out in cold weather. If you’re starting to exercise for the first time in a while, talk with your doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from achieving your health goals. You can be fit and fabulous in all four seasons.
To access the full article on winterizing your winter workout routine, click here.
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In partnership with the YMCA, Hally Health focuses on a variety of topics aimed at people of any age or fitness level who want to stay healthy and active. Try this Pilates workout that’s sure to get your heart pumping. To view all of our YMCA partnership fitness videos throughout the month, please visit hally.com or Facebook.com/HallyHealth.
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