Winter Workouts

What a difference 48 hours can make (from a high of 60 to a high of 30)!?!? Being active can feel tougher when it's cold & stays dark longer. However, physical activity can help boost immunity, increase energy, decrease pain, lower stress, improve sleep, control weight, manage many healthy issues, etc.

Ideas for Indoor Activity

- Do pre-taped exercise routines (on cable, DVD, internet, etc.).

- Play active video games.

- Dance to your favorite music.

- Walk laps inside a store, mall, office, or your home.
- Try a circuit (e.g., 1 minute of cardio, 1 minute of weight or resistance, & repeat).

- Create a home gym (can vary greatly in cost & equipment).

- Take classes or get a gym membership. (Some facilities offer month-to-month or pay per session.)

For more resources, check out:
- Hungry Girl's Exercise Ideas For When It's Cold
- American Council on Exercise's Fitness Programs (searchable exercise database & various prepared workouts)
- Spark People's Videos (free cardio, abs, boot camp, kickboxing, yoga, & pilates videos ranging from 7 - 18 minutes)

If you prefer to be active outside, read the US Department of Veteran Affair's Tips For Cold Weather Physical Activity &/or Spark People's 13 Cold Weather Exercise Tips to learn about proper dress & hydration. Also, increase your safety by exercising with a buddy, learning the signs of hypothermia, & wearing something reflective if out near sunrise or sunset.