With winter months bringing shorter days, cold temperatures, and ice and snow on roads and sidewalks, keeping active, and especially outside, is more challenging. Who is eager to jump out of bed early when it is still dark by the time we have to go to work? And how much fun is it to bundle up with five layers just to spend a few minutes outside? Winter can be tricky.
That said, like so many other things in our lives, it is about our mindset. It is easy to use winter as an excuse to stop practices we built during the warmer months. It is easy to let our good habits slip because we find a rational explanation for why it is more difficult now. It is easy to say we will wait until winter is over to start. But as we all know, the best time to start was yesterday and the next best time is today. It is within our mind power to change our mindset, make modifications we need, and move forward actively regardless of the season.
I want to share some tips to help you keep active during winter:
Get the Right Gear for Time Outside
I generally avoid advising that some new gear is needed to exercise because most of the time it’s not. When it comes to winter months, however, it’s good to think about adjustments to gear to make exercising outside easier and practical. If you like hiking or walking, make sure that you have warm shoes with good grip, so that you can keep walking and hiking in snowy and icy conditions. A solid warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are also very important for keeping warm outdoors. And how about a small thermos with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a little extra coziness on the go? Instead giving up on hiking or walking in winter, prepare yourself well because the trails are open and nature is still beautiful, you just need to be ready the right way.
Use Exercise Videos
Going to the gym for a class may feel more of a hassle on a freezing, dark morning than it used to be during the summer. Also, with Omicron surge, it may feel even less safe than it did before. There is a myriad of exercise apps, YouTube videos, and other easy online resources to keep you active at home. Some are free, some paid. Do your research, talk to friends, and pick one that works for you to get you moving at home on your own terms.
Get a Set of Weights and a Mat
You are likely not going to recreate a whole gym in your home, but a few strategic pieces of equipment can get you a good workout without taking up much space. I would recommend a set of weights and a mat that you can easily put in your closet after you are done.
Commit to Specific Times and Track Your Progress
If you are struggling with exercise consistency in winter, be very clear and specific on what you are going to do. Decide on how many times a week you want to exercise, when, and what you want to do. Write it down and keep track of your progress. If you slip once, it’s ok, we are not perfect, but don’t use it as an excuse to stop. Get back on schedule and keep going. Celebrate all small victories along the way, for example, by crossing off each fitness hour in your plan or calendar.
Try New Activities
Ok, I get it, you may not get to do your favorite summer activity, but are there new things that are special for this season that you have not considered? Can you use this time to explore something new? Is there a class you have been meaning to try and now it may finally be a good time to check it out? While summer bloom might be your favorite time on a local trail, seeing the mosaic of frozen streams and ponds during a winter hike can be equally beautiful and a unique experience. How about trying ice skating? Shift your mindset from complaining about what you cannot do to exploring what new things you have an opportunity to try! If you want some inspiration for new winter activities see my post Gone Skiing.
Yes, winter can be more challenging for many of us to keep active. But with the right mindset and a little bit of effort it can be a wonderful season to explore new things, challenge yourself, and feel good about what you are accomplishing. And as always, the best time to start is now!
