7 Ways to Stay Physically Active in the Winter

As the temperature drops and the snow falls, it can become easier than ever to want to stay inside. The sun rises later, sets earlier, and it is more difficult to do anything outdoors. However, it is essential to get exercise all year, and we can't afford to take several months off. That cold chill shouldn't get in the way of our physical and mental health during the winter season. To help combat that lazy winter feeling, here are a few strategies to make it easier to stay active all year.

Stay Physically Active This Winter with These 7 Tips! 

1. Find a Workout Partner
   
   Sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to exercise. A workout partner can help keep you on track. When you are feeling lazy, they can hold you accountable. It can be helpful to have a workout partner to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and completely. Not only that, but workout partners can make exercising more fun, so it becomes something to look forward to each day, rather than dreading it. Finally, it is safer to exercise with a partner. They can help identify problems and provide help in case of an accident.
2. Purchase New Workout Gear
   

   

   Even if you feel you don't need new gear, this might motivate you to work out more. It can be exciting to try new things, wear new clothes, and freshen up your workout.
   
   New training sneakers are a great way of boosting your morale and building excitement to work out. Plus, this is an excellent time to make sure your workout gear is safe and suitable for the winter season if you will be outside.
3. Look for Specials
   
   Often, gyms and fitness centers have membership specials throughout the winter. Look around online, and you can likely find new member specials, holiday deals, New Year offerings, and more. This can make it easier to try out a new gym, which can be exactly what you need to get into a new routine and stay active!
   
   The same foes for specials on workout clothing, gear, and equipment! Look for out-of-season clothing or exercise equipment on Black Friday and holiday specials!
4. Exercise without Working Out
   
   It is possible to stay physically active without signing up for a strictly scheduled workout routine. Weather permitting, try to take advantage of the season rather than fearing it. Winter can be a great season to spend time with grandchildren and do activities you wouldn't do on your own. If you're able to do so safely, shovel your sidewalk, go snowshoeing, or build a snowman. Make the most of the wintertime and keep your blood pumping at the same time!
5. Prepare Indoors
   
   If you like to exercise outdoors in the winter, try to get your body ready while still indoors. Put on warm clothes, stretch out, and even get your blood pumping before you go outside. Try jumping jacks or other exercises to safely warm your body up before exposing yourself to the cold. This will keep your muscles from being cold and stiff when you begin your exercise. This will make for a safer and more effective workout.
6. Sign Up for a New Class
   
   Freshen things up a bit by starting a new workout or by becoming part of a fun class. Different and new activities bring excitement and tend to keep you interested for a longer period of time. Try yoga, spinning/indoor cycling, water aerobics, or something else that will keep you active and interested for months or years to come!
7. Set a Goal for Spring
   
   What are you working toward? And how can you measure it? Talk with your doctor about the goals of your exercise. Are you trying to lose weight? Then set an attainable SMART goal for your healthy weight loss. Write down your goal and put it in a place you will see often throughout the day. This will keep you motivated and make it possible to track your progress through the winter season.

There are many ways to stay active throughout the year. While it is more challenging to stay motivated, and you might have to change your routine, there are still many activity options you can choose from in the winter. We hope these ideas help you discover new inspiration to make the most of the upcoming season.

Let us know in the comments below - how do you stay active throughout winter?

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