When the winter chill hits you, it’s easy to curl up in bed and throw your plans out of the window. But colder temperatures do not mean you have to become a hermit.
There are many ways to stay active and healthy during the winter months. Getting moving during the cold snap has its perks, not least in terms of warming you up! It’ll also help you to feel invigorated and keep fit. Check out some of our favourite ideas to keep you active and healthy during the cold season.
The Benefits of Working Out in Winter
Should you stop being active when the snow starts to fall? Of course not! Getting outdoors can help you take in much needed sunlight, and boost your immunity against the flu and cold season.
Other benefits of staying active in winter include weight loss, improved heart health, increased happiness, reduced inflammation and lowered blood pressure.
Get your body moving with these fun, helpful indoor and outdoor activities.
1. Winter Hiking
Most outdoor enthusiasts consider the start of the winter season the end for hiking trips. But less crowded trails, spectacular views and increased calorie burn all prove that winter hiking is just as great (or even better!) than hiking in the summer.
The winter hiking benefits don’t stop there. Spending time outdoors amps up your body’s production of vitamin D; it also boosts serotonin and endorphins to help you kick the Winter Blues!
2. Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are not just about the adrenaline rush and beautiful scenery. These popular winter activities are perfect for those who want to get their cardio up, strengthen lower body muscles, and lose any accumulated holiday weight.
Want to burn extra calories and give your heart a little exercise? Forget the lifts and take up ski touring (also called skinning) to ski up the slopes!
Expert tip: make the most of your outdoor winter adventures with reliable gear and equipment. You can rent high-quality ski and snowboard gear online at over 40 top ski resorts on TripOutside.com.
3. Go Fat Biking
Cycling in the snow may sound like a crazy idea, but with the right bike, you can explore the trails with no fear. Fat bikes make winter cycling possible and even enjoyable. Fat biking has recently become very popular and many bike shops now include fat bikes in their winter rental gear.
Depending on the snow surface, winter biking can be more strenuous and make both the abs and legs work harder. Exploring different trails on a fat bike is a fun way of enjoying the colder days, and exploring your favourite trails in the off-season.
4. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter and an inexpensive way to get some cardio in. This winter activity gives participants a workout in so many ways: cardio, strength, balance, agility and endurance training in one.
It’s as easy as strapping on snowshoes and taking a 30-minute walk in the snow around your yard or neighborhood park. If you’re up for an extra challenge, scale a nearby hill.
Unlike some other winter sports, snowshoeing is easy for everyone and makes a great kid-friendly family adventure.
5. Hit the Gym
If you love staying active but hate the snow, there’s no reason to put your health and fitness goals to the side – hit up the gym for an indoor workout.
Taking the time to keep moving even if it’s cold allows you to build healthy winter routines and habits that can carry you through the holidays and winter season.
6. Dancing
Sweat it out with a good ol’ dance session. Dancing boosts the brain’s production of serotonin and endorphins – you can literally shake those holiday blues off of you.
If you feel like winter cardio is hard-io, put on your dancing shoes and dance away.
7. Indoor Swimming
Missing the beach? Stay toned and fit by swimming indoors during the winter. Swimming is an extremely effective activity that builds strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. It can help you lose weight and tone your body. It’s a full body workout, and the resistance of the water means 30 minutes of pool activity is equal to 45 minutes of activity on land!
8. Stay Hydrated
Naturally, the body’s thirst response decreases when the temperature drops. This can lead to dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps. Make sure you are properly hydrated during the winter months by setting a water goal of 8 glasses of water daily. Eating hydrating fruits such as cantaloupe, strawberries and oranges can also help you stay hydrated.
9. Increase Vitamin C Intake
Your chances of getting colds and flu is increased during the colder season. Winter can be busy, and the last thing you want is a runny nose or sore throat. Boost your immunity by loading up on vitamin C rich fruits such as citrus fruits, kiwis, pineapples and mangoes.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Fight more winter illnesses with sleep. Sleeping at least 8 hours a day keeps your body protected and energised. Similar to spending time outdoors, adequate sleep also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves your mood and can even help maintain your weight.
Conclusion
The winter is too beautiful – don’t just observe it from your couch. With these health tips and suggestions for winter outdoor activities, you can enjoy the winter season to the fullest!
Julie Singh co-founded TripOutside.com with her husband Reet out of a shared enthusiasm for outdoor adventure. It offers an easier way to research popular outdoor destinations, find adventures and gear from the best local outfitters, and book it all online. You can find Julie biking or hiking the nearest mountain, advocating for the earth & its animals and cooking delicious vegan food.
Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.
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