Now that the chilly season is in full swing we become more apt to stay inside, enjoy our hot meals and warm beverages, lounge in our snuggliest of blankets and allow ourselves to accidentally pack on the pounds. Now, there’s nothing wrong with keeping cozy, but we’re not grizzlies with a penchant for hibernating. It’s certainly worth your while to not let the winter-time blues get the best of you. We’re here to help promote some healthy, and FUN, exercises to keep you in shape. Cue the corny “Rocky IV” training montage!
Jogging:
Running or jogging is a perfect way to let your energy loose while staying warm. Whether you’re pumping-it through the snowy forest, down a trail, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, this full-body exercise is an ideal way to shed the calories from all of those yummy winter-wonderland sweets.
Cross Country Skiing:
What could be more fun than gliding across snowy dunes on a sunny day? Improve your cardiovascular system in a way you may have never tried before, and if this is the case, be sure to start off slow. Give yourself time to enjoy the landscape and feel the weight slide right off of that gorgeous plant-eating body of yours!
Yoga:
Don’t let your flexibility and dedication go to waste! There are many, many forms of yoga that are impeccable for any time of year, but especially during the winter when your joints and muscles have a tendency to lockup. Whether you attend a local yoga studio, practice to a DVD at home or follow your own tried n’ true routine, yoga will keep your limbs warm and limber, not to mention set your body to balance and your mind at ease.
Snowshoeing:
Strap on a pair of snowshoes, because you’re in for a fantastic treat-of-an-exercise! Hiking in the snow ideally targets your leg muscles, but this workout inevitably triggers your whole body to kick in gear. It’s important, however, that you pick your trails carefully and purchase comfortably, appropriately fitting snowshoes so as not to form sores or irritation. Just like jogging and skiing, this activity allows you to savor the sites while testing mind-over-matter. Endurance is the word, so stay tough and hang in there – This workout could be just what the doctor ordered!
Ice Skating:
An absolute classic winter activity, you can revel in this exercise at any age, not to mention the whole family can get in on the fun! Like snowshoeing, you’ll want to make sure you own a pair of well-fitting skates. If you’re lucky enough to have a lake or natural setting to skate nearby, make the most of it! If not, seek out a local rink and glide into a good time. A roller-skating rink can do the trick just as well.
Helpful Tips –
- It’s good practice to schedule your workouts:
“Until you’ve mastered cold-weather fitness, start your workout at half your usual warm-weather distance; if you normally run four miles, start with two. Warm up indoors for five minutes before heading out. Running in place or jumping rope makes it less likely you’ll strain a muscle… Even if you thrive on early-morning workouts, on extremely cold days consider exercising later in the day, when temps are highest.”
- Don’t ignore signs of sickness, and don’t allow yourself to get cold:
“Don’t ignore the warning signs that you may be cold. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation. If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area. Avoid open spaces and paths near water to reduce exposure to biting winds, and get out of damp clothes as soon as possible, even if you cannot shower immediately, and change into dry clothes… Wear sunscreen, especially if you exercise near snow, which reflects sunlight. Even though the sun isn’t beating down on you with heat, it can still cause sunburn… Wear fewer, thinner layers of clothing you can peel off, rather than one single, heavy layer; cool down gradually after your workout by taking off a layer at a time. Choose breathable fabrics to avoid sweat build-up that makes you feel colder. A good choice for a breathable, wind-repellent fabric includes Gore-Tex.”
If you’re unable to enjoy any of these outdoor winter activities, it’s also always great to join a gym and to have a workout buddy to keep yourselves mutually motivated and regular. Be sure to consistently get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, cook-up a wide variety of veggies and stay warm until the Spring shines through.
Taste of Health Holistic Holiday at Sea is more than a great vegan travel experience, it’s an opportunity to travel and stay healthy while pampering AND educating yourself with current events and trends in the vegan world. On our holistic cruise you will have the opportunity to eat divine meals, make new friends engage with some of the most celebrated personalities of the Vegan Industry. 2013 will mark the 10 year Anniversary of the Holistic Holiday @ Sea and there will be lots of socials, great classes, amazing Caribbean ports and even a few surprises. Learning a new way of living has never been so much fun, so easy and so tasty!
Sources –
https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/946579/10-fitness-tips-for-winter-workouts
