Don’t let bad weather ground you
Winter weather has a tendency to squash even the most die-hard exercisers’ plans. It’s just too easy to use the rain, cold, or general dreariness as an excuse to sit around watching movies and making chocolate chip cookies (my go-to rainy day indulgence…on occasion, of course!).
Exercise in winter weather…with some planning!
Here are some tips to keep you moving when the weather says “veg out!”
• Embrace the cold outdoors. Find an ice skating rink or bundle up with the appropriate clothing and boots for an invigorating hike. Even some So. California cities “make” ice in the downtown area during the holidays. For family fun, dig out the gloves and scarves, and walk your neighborhoods to view the local holiday lights and decorations.
• Explore unusual indoor possibilities. Your local mall is an excellent place to get your cardio workout: complete a power walk and climb some stairs! Some malls even have activity stops and show the portion of a mile completed with each revolution around the inside perimeter.
• Check out the local community center for an indoor game of basketball.
• Walk while you’re on the phone or stand while using the computer. Sitting and inactivity are the “new smoking” in terms of being detrimental to our health, so get up and move as often as possible.
• Invest in cool equipment like a Bosu ball/balance trainer or TRX Suspension Trainer Home Kit. The former is an excellent workout for balance and core strength, and can even be used with more dynamic moves as a cardio workout. The latter provides strength training, aerobic fitness, and flexibility, and can be adapted for indoor use. Both come with ample instructions and examples.
• Find a work-out buddy. It’s always easier to keep on an exercise schedule with a co-conspirator! Even if you can’t get out for physical activity, a buddy can provide friendly reminders or competition to keep you moving!
• Invest in an exercise CD, or check out YouTube, where you can discover a plethora of exercise demonstrations for all experience levels.
• And don’t forget about the local gym—open year-round for your exercise enjoyment!