Understandably, winters can be challenging when it comes to physical fitness. Unfortunately, the temptation to stay in bed and enjoy a warm coffee while wrapped up in a cozy blanket seated right next to the fireplace is far more attractive than getting out of bed and doing a workout.
But! The fact is, if you want to age well, you need to make sure that you are doing adequate physical activity. But with chilled, freezy winter days already knocking on our doors, the question is, how?
Working out is important, yeah! But with crisp, cold winter spells, workouts become all the more crucial. If you choose to snuggle on a couch and hibernate until the spring season, you have chosen a shortcut to bad health, which includes developing cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, decreased muscle mass, and low bone density. In short, you are heading towards a health disaster, but don't worry. We are here to help you stay fit and healthy without overburdening yourself.
Here are a few steps you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you maintain a fit and healthy body this winter.
Working out and exercising doesn't always mean doing high-intensity cardio or resistance exercises. Instead, a 30-minute physical activity that brings laughter and helps pump up your heart rate a little is significantly better than doing nothing.
For example, you can sign up for a Zumba class every morning. If you cannot physically attend one, you can opt for an online Zumba class instead. Dancing is a fun way to pump up that heart rate, improve blood circulation, sweat a little, and, more importantly, get the ever-so-necessary laughter therapy.
Marching in a place and trying exercises that involve walking the weight off will also help you stay active without leaving the comfort of your house.
Another tip can be to invest some time in learning simple workouts that can be done without fancy equipment. There are thousands of such workout tutorials online, and it's free to access them.
Honestly, what else can a person ask for?
A little research will help you understand what your body demands. You can then do these low-impact and home-friendly workouts from the comfort of your living room.
If you want help, you can always consult your doctor or join a local gym to get access to a fitness trainer who can help you understand what home workout options you can choose from.
A few easy workouts are:
Indoor pools are another great way of keeping active without falling prey to the cruel winters and without stressing your joints.
Swimming a few laps in a heated pool a couple of times a week is enough therapy for your muscles and joints and for your emotional health.
You can join the senior aqua fit classes or aim to get a swim buddy. Good company in a pool can make the swimming experience all the more fun.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of swimming!
If possible, invest in a good treadmill. This is great for snowy days when everything outdoors is covered in snow, and you cannot go out for a walk. Using a treadmill will help you maintain your walking routine from within the comfort of your home.
If you don't want to invest in a treadmill, you can always visit a mall, stadium, or other indoor area to walk. Most malls are not busy early morning, so that can be a great time to stretch your legs and walk.
It is wisely said that "health is wealth," so with this investment of time and money to walk more, you are more likely to stay fit and active even when it's crisp and cold outside. Click here to learn more about the benefits of walking!
Last but not least, eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water. This can't be emphasized enough. In cold winters, it is easy to skip drinking enough water as you don't tend to feel very thirsty throughout the day.
But, what must be understood here is that your body still needs adequate water. By depriving it, you are heading to an under-hydrated, lazy, and weak body. So drink more water, and if it feels challenging to do so, try consuming different water-based diets and beverages such as soups and green tea.
Also, stay conscious of what you eat. Eating the right food can help improve your immune system and thus increase your ability to fight any winter illness. This is crucial as winters are never kind when it comes to health. Even a mild cough, cold, or flu can leave you feeling low for days and weeks.
Hence it's essential to keep yourself well-equipped with enough physical activity, hydration, and healthy foods.
You need to understand that your body deserves your time and effort. If merely 30 minutes of your day can help you feel fit and healthy for a much longer run of years, this is a great deal.
Invest time in knowing your body's needs, and never hesitate to ask a professional for help. Then, once you know what suits your body, take time and treat yourself the right way. Trust me, your body will forever be thankful for this little yet generous effort of yours.
Fitness in winter is a challenge, but with the tips mentioned above and a little consistent effort, you can fly through this challenge with flying colors.
Did you miss part 1? Read it here: 7 Ways to Stay Physically Active in the Winter!