Beat the Winter Workout Blues

As the weather begins to grow colder, it seems as if it's harder to stay active.  With winter on its way, it takes a lot more motivation to get to the gym.  I know all I want to do on a snowy day is stay inside and snuggle with some hot chocolate and a good book.  However, it is very possible to stay fit even during the cold winter months. 

According to FitSugar.com, it is possible to still do your favorite summer activities even in the winter.  For instance, if you like to walk to keep fit, rent/buy a pair of snowshoes.  Walking in the snow adds more resistance so you can get a great leg, butt, and core workout and burn even more calories.  Also, if you love to play sports, you can give some winter sports a try.  Cross country skiing works your upper body as well as your lower body and snowboarding is also an option.

If you're more the indoor type, then FitSugar also suggests to invest in a bike trainer or roller which allows you to use your own bike to cycle indoors.  In addition, there are so many different workout DVD's available for purchase these days.  You have the ability to try a new workout right in the comfort of your own home!  Exercise TV is one of my favorite channels.  When I don't feel like going to the gym in the winter, it's so convenient to turn it on and surf through the hundreds of workouts that are offered.

However, if you do have the motivation then by all means hit the gym.  Or, if you are brave enough to venture out into the cold, then you can still reap all of the benefits of exercising outdoors.  According to MayoClinic.com, it's important to remember to stay safe while exercising in the cold!

• Protect your hands with gloves, your head/ears with a hat and your feet with thermal socks.  Your hands and feet become more vulnerable to frostbite because your blood flow is concentrated in your body's core when it's cold.
• Pay attention to temperatures and wind chill.  If the temperature is too low or it is raining, you are more prone to frostbite and might want to skip the outdoor workout that day.
• Remember to dress in layers and choose sneakers with a lot of traction in them to help with running/walking in the snow.
• Stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout.  Staying hydrated during your workout is just as important in the winter as it is in any other season.
• Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

Or if you're feeling a little less motivated, turn on Exercise TV or visit their website and download some workout videos.  With so many options, you now have no excuse not to keep fit all year round!

http://www.exercisetv.tv/workout-videos/cardio/compound-movement-workout-4418