While there are the hardcore among us who will bundle up for a jog no matter the temperature, most people try to limit outdoor exposure when the mercury drops too low (and with good reason!). And with the temperatures across much of the country dipping VERY low of late, this might be top of mind for you. It is possible to continue your outside workouts or explore other winter activities to stay fit, but if you’d prefer to stay inside, there are many ways to keep active until spring.
Hit the gym. Many fitness centers or health clubs offer specials to new members early in the New Year, so now is a great time to check out nearby facilities to find the right fit for you. Gyms offer a wide variety of both strength and cardio equipment and often have staff standing by to help you get started with a routine that works for you. Some even have indoor tracks so you can avoid the treadmill and still walk or jog indoors.
Try a group fitness class. Health clubs, community centers, fitness studios, churches and many other facilities offer a range of group fitness classes, including yoga, aerobics, kickboxing, strength training and more. Ask if they offer a trial class or discount for new participants, and try a few to see if there is one that will keep you motivated through the winter months. Group classes may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy the atmosphere, they are a great way to build camaraderie and stay accountable while having fun.
Think outside the box. There are a number of winter or indoor activities that break out of the traditional gym setting while still helping you break a sweat. Think ice skating, swimming, rock climbing or tennis. Bring along a friend or meet new workout buddies while exploring these options to help keep you coming back for more.
Create a home gym. Sometimes finding time to get out of the house to work out is a challenge. Streamline your efforts by setting up a space at home to work out. If space is available, you can purchase a few key pieces of equipment, such as a stationary bike and weights. However, you can also work out with DVDs or apps at little to no cost. Many libraries have fitness DVDs available, and some cable providers offer channels with guided workouts. This is a great way to mix up your workouts with little to no equipment required.
Spring will be here soon, but in the meantime, break a sweat indoors to stay active until the temperatures rise and the parks begin to thaw.
For Health Advocate members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more tips on finding ways to stay active and workout indoors this winter.
