It’s that time of year again when the days are shorter, the weather is colder, and sometimes all you want to do is curl up in a ball and hibernate until spring. But just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean your health and fitness goals have to go out the window.
In fact, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy and fit despite the winter weather. Here are a few of our tips for staying healthy and fit when the wintertime weather threatens to hinder your wellness journey.
Stay Active During the Winter Months
It’s easy to let your fitness routine slide during the winter months. After all, it’s cold outside and cozy inside. But to stay healthy and fit, you must find ways to stay active even when the weather is less than ideal. Here are a few tips:
- Get a workout buddy. Having someone to work out with makes it more likely that you’ll stick with your fitness goals. You can motivate each other and hold each other accountable.
- Join a gym or studio. This gives you access to indoor spaces where you can exercise without having to worry about the weather. Plus, most gyms and studios offer a variety of classes, so you can mix up your workouts and avoid getting bored.
- Take advantage of at-home workouts. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, there are plenty of great at-home workouts available online or on DVD. And many of these can be done in just a few minutes, so there’s no excuse not to get moving!
- Get outside when you can. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all the time. Dress in layers and head out for a walk, run, or hike when the weather permits. Not only will you get some fresh air, but you’ll also burn calories and get your heart pumping.
Dress Warmly and In Layers When You Go Outside
Getting some fresh air and exercise is important for staying healthy and fit, even in the wintertime. It’s more important though to make sure you dress warmly and in layers so you don’t get too cold or risk illness.
Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the best way to dress for cold weather. You can start with a base layer of thermals or long underwear. Then add a middle layer of a wool sweater or fleece jacket. Top it off with a waterproof outer layer like a coat or windbreaker. And don’t forget to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep your extremities warm.
Of course, you also need to be mindful of the types of activities you do in cold weather. Avoiding strenuous activity is key to preventing hypothermia. And be sure to listen to your body – if you start feeling too cold, head back inside to warm up.
Make Sure to Eat Healthy Foods and Stay Hydrated
Make sure to eat warm soup, fruits, and whole grains. These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that will help boost your immune system and keep your energy levels up.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Drink eight glasses of water a day, and consider adding a daily multivitamin to help fill any gaps in your diet.
The cold weather and shorter days can make it harder to motivation to get out there and exercise. But by following these simple tips, you can make sure that you stay on track with your fitness goals this winter. And if you’re really cold, and ready to warm up in the sunshine, you can always join us for a sweaty morning flow on the deck here at Anamaya. https://anamaya.com
