By RMHP
Staying Active in the Fall and Winter Months
How to Maintain Your Exercise Routine in the Colder Months
We’ve all been there. You never miss a day of your fitness routine when the sun is shining, the temperatures are perfect, and you can’t get enough of being outside. When the leaves begin to change and the temperature starts to drop, though, it seems like it’s just a little easier to find excuses to skip your workout. Don’t let that happen this year – these tips, coupled with a positive mindset, can help you stay active throughout the fall and winter.
Stay healthy with a refreshed immune system
There’s nothing worse than fighting off a cold when you’re trying to stay fit. Your energy decreases, it’s hard to breathe, and it can last for weeks. Prevent the common fall and winter illnesses by
getting enough sleep, fueling your body with fresh, nutritious (and local!) produce, and opting for a flu shot. When you’re feeling your best, it’s much easier to get out and be active.
Mix it up
You may have your summer routine, but that all changes in the fall when the kids go back to school. Mix up your workouts: turn boring house and yard work into a family workout! Raking leaves, vacuuming the house, and shoveling snow can all get your heart pumping – and create quality family time. Looking to procrastinate on doing the household chores? Gather your family, friends, or neighbors for a walk around the neighborhood, or take a day trip to hike some of the great trails in Colorado and check out the beautiful fall colors. If you really want a change, try a new activity like snowshoeing or skiing. You never know, it could be your next passion!
Stay inside – but don’t slow down
If you find the cold weather abhorrent, avoid it! The fall and winter seasons are the perfect opportunity to join a gym or take a fitness class. Many gyms offer deals during the fall and winter months, and a membership is a great way to meet new friends. Prefer to work out solo? Create a home gym with your own equipment and use DVD videos or free YouTube videos to guide you. Don’t have the money or space for equipment?
Body weight movements will get you breaking a sweat in no time.
Set goals
Find a challenge that will help you stay motivated to work out in the cooler months. Maybe there’s a half marathon you want to run in the spring, or maybe you’re gearing up for your first 5k. Registering early and making the commitment gives you something to work toward. If you’re already an established runner but find your running slows down when the cold weather comes around, grab some friends and make it a goal to run a fun, themed 5k each month, or establish a weekly run club.
Whatever the challenge, be sure to reward yourself with that new pair of running shoes or running jacket you’ve been eyeing when you meet your goals.
Regardless of how you choose to get active, be sure to create a routine and stick to it. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the warm temperatures of spring and summer once again!
