Getting out for a run or other outdoor exercise is simple in the summer. But what about those frigid days when you can feel the chilly, biting winds in your bones? The way you exercise in the winter vs summer is vastly different.
You may have only recently begun a new fitness routine before winter arrives. Because of the bad weather and frigid temperatures, you may be forced to stay indoors for the season.
It is feasible to stay in shape with outdoor workouts until spring arrives with the proper preparations, planning, and precautions.
Top winter exercise ideas to help you stay in shape throughout the season include ice skating and brisk walk. Others include hitting the slopes and grabbing skis. Sign up for a group workout class and incorporate these winter exercises into your regular workout routine.
This article will go over the benefits of exercising in winter, how to stay active in winter, and some top winter exercise ideas.
Benefits of Exercising in Winter
When the weather drops outside, most of us feel compelled to hibernate inside until summer returns. Exercise is frequently put on the back burner, but you can choose to hit the slopes and abandon the electric heater.
You’ll quickly discover that training in the winter has numerous benefits for both your body and mind. Here are some of the benefits of exercising in winter:
- Strengthens Your Immune System
Viruses and bugs become more widespread when winter tightens its hold on us. Only a few people manage to avoid being severely affected by the common cold or flu.
Exercising will help you fight off the symptoms of a cold or flu and minimize your chances of getting sick. If you exercise regularly, your immune system will work harder and be better prepared to combat invading pathogens and their symptoms.
- Burn More Calories
A winter workout is like a spruced-up version of your regular workout session. When you work out in the cold, your body will be working harder to regulate its core temperature, which means you’ll burn more calories. As your body struggles to stay warm, your metabolism speeds up, burning more calories and fat.
- Exceptional Cardiovascular Exercise
Cold temperatures make your body work harder while exercising, which impacts your cardiovascular system. This energizing workout helps keep your heart health in good shape by making the heart work harder to pump blood around the body during cold-weather activity.
Cardiovascular disease is a significant health threat in many nations. Therefore, exercising even in the winter strengthens your heart.
How to Stay Active in Winter
The winter season might be challenging to stay active in with the frigid temperatures. Here are some ways which you can follow to stay active in winter:
- Exercise Using Technology
We all want to be active during the winter, but going out especially during COVID period can be frightening. There are new exercise apps available that you may download using your smart device.
You can choose from various free or low-cost training apps that work as fitness trainers on your phone. You might also try yoga or other free guided workouts, which will undoubtedly help you keep active.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather and Prepare Ahead of Time
Monitor the weather and keep winter exercise clothes on hand to plan your week so you can stay active. Keeping an eye on the weather will also help you plan your winter activities accordingly.
Top Winter Exercise Ideas
Injuries such as amputations and muscular strains are common in cold weather. As a result, knowing the right winter exercise ideas that are safe for the winter weather is essential.
Here are some top winter workouts to keep your body active during the winter weather:
- Take a Brisk Walk
Walking is the most accessible and most manageable outdoor exercise to maintain during the frigid winter months. It requires no equipment other than decent walking shoes and is a terrific way to burn calories.
Low-intensity, steady-state exercise can help the body become more fit over time and use fat as a source of energy more effectively. You can do a walking workout all year long if you dress appropriately.
Try fast walking for 45 minutes at a speed of 50 to 60% of your maximum heart rate outside for an excellent winter workout. If you decide to go for a walk outside, dress warmly to maintain a comfortable internal body temperature as your training progresses.
- Ice Skating
Skating isn’t only for children. Ice skating is a popular winter exercise that people of all ages and abilities may enjoy. There is something for everyone, from leisurely sun skating around the rinks to more active applications such as speed skating or even as part of a hockey game.
Ice skating is lovely for active stretching for your hips and core, leg toning, and stabilizing muscles that help with coordination and balance, and can be fun.
It’s also essential to ensure your shoes fit and support your ankles properly. You may need lessons from an experienced skater if you are a beginner.
- Signing up for a Group Workout Class
When you’re exercising by yourself, there’s only one person you can persuade to skip a workout. However, there is some social influence when exercising with a group or partner. Because others will be waiting for you, it will give you the winter workout motivation to show up.
Exercise partners can also offer social support, friendship, and a break from the cold. There’s also the added benefit of making friends and socializing with folks who share your interests.
Even if you work out at home, joining a live class on Instagram or Zoom is beneficial. They’re excellent winter training options that don’t necessitate braving the winter weather. Staying active is a great way to avoid seasonal depression.
- Grab Your Skis and Hit the Slopes
Outdoor exercises such as skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities are ideal in the winter. According to a data sheet provided by Harvard Medical School, downhill skiing can burn as many as 223 calories in 30 minutes for a 155-pound person, while cross-country skiing can burn roughly 300 calories in a half-hour.
- Get Your Swimming Suit Ready and Head to the Pool
Going to a warm swimming pool during the winter months is a terrific way to get some exercise. Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity that everyone can do in the winter.
You may work out for longer without tiring your muscles or yourself because it is gentle on the joints. Based on your weight, you can also burn between 400 and 700 calories every hour. You can swim laps on your own or join a group fitness swimming class.
- Climb the Rock Wall
An indoor rock climbing wall is a non-traditional way to exercise that is ideal for those who wish to improve their mental and physical strength. It’s a fantastic workout, especially in the winter.
Climbing indoor walls improves hand grip strength and leg strength significantly. It also enhances your ability to perform pushups, vertical jumps, and pullups, especially during winter.
Take Away
A slight chill in the air is no reason to skip your workout. Find winter exercise ideas, so you don’t miss a workout and stay in shape when the winter weather approaches.
Tone your muscles and boost your aerobic stamina with various alternatives available at your local gym or online. Find the workout that works best for you, grab the necessary equipment, and prepare to sweat throughout the winter season.
