Winter Exercise Ideas

A lot of people get their exercise outside in the spring, summer and fall, but then get out of the routine in the winter because it is too cold to go outside. Here are a few things to try during the winter to keep you going.

Buy a Workout Video (or 3)
There are a lot of great exercise DVDs out there. You can choose from just about any type of activity you can imagine. The great thing about an exercise video is that they are designed to use little or no equipment and to be done in relatively small spaces. I recommend a small collection to avoid boredom and to vary your activities. A good collection would include a few levels of cardio, a good upper and lower body toner with an ab section, preferably one that can be split up so that you don't have to work the whole body at once if you don't want to, and a good stretching or yoga video. Most video cost between $10-$20, so they are affordable. If you get a new one every 3 or 4 months, it is much cheaper than a gym membership and you can avoid being bored to death by the same routine.

Invest in a "Mini Gym" for your Home
With just a few pieces of equipment, you can develop your own home workout routine at home. A great start would be a workout mat, an exercise ball, and 2 sets of hand weights, one that you consider light and one that you consider medium. There is not a part of the body you might like to exercise that cannot be worked with that equipment. The best part...you can get it all for less than $100. By using intervals of toning and cardio such as jumping jacks, running or walking in place, you can create a great routine and set it to your favorite music to keep you motivated. Make sure to warm-up with some light full body activity and cool down with the same and finish with static stretching. Never stretch before, rather start with moves like walking in place, arm circles and a few other light intensity moves.

Turn Bad Weather into a Workout
Shoveling snow can be GREAT cardio. Make sure to warm-up and cool-down after and use good form. If you think of it as exercise, it may be more fun than thinking of it as work.

Try a Winter Hike
Hocking Hills and other parks provide wonderful settings for winter hikes. Just make sure that you wear good shoes and layer against the cold.

Look for Open Gyms or Join a League
Like to play a sport? There are always multiple sites for open gym for basketball and volleyball and many other sports available in the winter. Not only will you get a good workout, but it is a great way to get together with friends in the winter.

Don't Forget the Old Standbys
Winter is a good time to take the clothes off the old exercise bike or treadmill! These machines can be a little boring, but there are ways to liven up your workout while using them. Get a good sound track going to start. Pick your favorite music and get moving. If you are on the bike, you can read a book. It's true that this isn't the BEST workout in the world, but it is certainly better than nothing and time flies when you are reading a good book. You can also put the bike or treadmill by your TV and watch your favorite show while you are working out. Another idea, try playing games with yourself on the treadmill. I will set the speed and then turn the incline up 1 degree every minute until I am at the max and then head back down. Two cycles of that and you are done! Intervals are good too. Walk for 5 minutes then run 2 walk 3 for 3-4 cycles and then walk 5 to cool down. It will go fast and give you a good workout.

It may be easier and sound more fun to workout in the sun of summer, spring and fall, but winter is the WORST time to neglect your workouts. We are generally less active in the winter and eat more, so you need to keep a regular workout schedule to avoid winter weight gain. Regular exercise will also boost your immune system and energy levels, which we could all use in the winter time. There is always something you can do, so stop making excuses and get moving!