Feeling less and less inclined to venture
outdoors during the winter months when things are
a "bit cold" out there? Worried that exercising
during winter might require you to shiver and
possibly cause you to slip? Set aside the
excuses. Exercising during winter is as important
as exercising during summer and doing your
exercise outdoors is not only possible but will
leave you feeling invigorated, pumped with
energy, and wanting more! Here are some
suggestions to get you outdoors and exercising in
the winter season.
!! Steps !!
Remember how much you enjoyed being outside
during winter as a kid.
Children are less bothered by the cold and more excited about the
prospects of getting out there and making the most of snow, rain, and
even hail. Winter's weather excites children and enthuses them to make
snow angels, sled down hills, and to learn to ski, skate, and
snowboard. Follow their lead and become reinvigorated by the fun
promised by winter exercising and outdoor play.
Realize the health benefits of exercising during winter. [1]
Staying cooped up indoors all winter isn't beneficial for your health
and can leave you more exposed to illnesses doing the winter rounds.
Getting out and about gives you a chance to breathe fresh air, to see
new and varied sights (beats cabin fever [2]), and gives you a sound
mind and body workout.
* If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder [3] (SAD), getting
outside and exercising will help to alleviate the symptoms by
introducing more daylight to your system and by involving you in
activities that are fun and exciting.
* For those trying to keep their weight under control, exercising in
the cold burns more calories because you need to move faster and
constantly to remain warm; as well, many winter sports require you
to tackle different terrain, including snow.
* Exercise can help keep colds and flus [4] at bay, provided you
don't overdo it.
Go skiing [5].
Skiing is a thrilling sport that can satiate anyone's need for an
adrenaline rush relying on slopes and a pair of skis. What's more,
skiing can benefit people of all ages, from around the age of four up
to 104, and you can choose slopes to suit your skill level.
And if you're more into the lack of slopes or simply prefer gentle,
little slopes, try cross-country skiing [6] too. Cross-country skiing
is the winter equivalent of riding a bike, as it gives your lower body
a great workout, while the use of the poles gives your arm, back and
chest muscles a good workout too. Go ice
skating [7].
Ice skating is graceful, enjoyable, and a workout without your mind
realizing too much that you're actually burning up calories whizzing
around the rink. Ice skating is proof that exercise is _fun_.
Walk in winter [8].
No need to stop your treasured walks just because it's cold outside.
Bundle up, find good walking routes, and keep your body fit with this
gentle yet very effective exercise. Bear in mind that you might need
to wear cleats or rugged boots if crossing icy areas; talk to your
local running or walking store specialist for advice.
Go snowshoeing [9].
Snowshoeing is a cross between walking, hiking, and nature viewing for
the winter season. It's hard work, especially when you're a beginner
but it gets easier with practice. It's highly rewarding and it
definitely keeps you fit. As an added benefit, you'll often get to
walk in places where the winter wildlife can be spotted, making this
an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to take photos or even make
quick sketches. Run during winter [10].
If you've got the notion that winter running is not a happening thing,
think again. There are plenty of winter running enthusiasts, often
running in groups, and not deterred by snowfall or rain. Dress for
warmth, get a good pair of winter running shoes, and find yourself a
local group to join for morale.
And if jogging is more your thing, this can also be enjoyed during
winter – read How to jog in cold weather [11].
Try snowboarding [12].
This sport requires a little more expertise than many other winter
activities and it is viewed as an "extreme sport" but it's ideal for
exercise, exhilaration, and for getting you out into the vast wintry
outdoors. Wear good safety gear, get lessons, and stick within the
designated snowboarding areas. Play like the
kids [13].
Kids' activities aren't just for kids – everyone can enjoy sledding,
snow angels, and snowball fights too, and keep fit doing so.
* Go sledding [14]. The effort of walking up the hill and sledding
down is just as good as a workout and a lot less sweaty than the
gym.
* Snow angels [15]. Probably not quite "an exercise" but it is a lot
of fun and it does get you outdoors!
* Have a snowball fight [16]. There is a lot of exercise involved in
a traditional snowball fight, from sourcing the snow, rolling the
snowballs, hitting your targets, and then dodging!
Build an igloo [17].
When you feel like a really good workout with a neat result at the end
of it, building an igloo can be a fantastic form of exercise, and is
perfect for winter teamwork. And if an igloo seems all too daunting,
you can always build a snow fort [18] with its own snow tunnel [19]
instead.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* You might like to consider snowmobiling [20] as another form of
exercise. Although the machine does most of the work for you,
there is still effort involved in keeping warm, and the joy of
being outside is a definite drawcard.
* It's still possible to cycle in the snow. Just remember to convert
your bicycle tires into studded snow tires [21] and be very
cautious of snow plowing activities, snow blocking the usual
cycleways, and slick areas of ice, grit, snow build-up, and slush.
If you've never cycled in the snow before, ask a seasoned cyclist
to give you some advice.
* Keep walking Fido in winter; read How to keep your dog warm in
winter [22] for winter dog-walking tips.
!! Warnings !!
* As with any winter activity, keep warm, dress properly, and don't
outstay your welcome. Listen to your body when it tells you things
are just too cold.
!! Things You\'ll Need !!
* Layered warm clothes; wear the wicking-away layers next to your
skin
* Suitable boots or shoes; snowshoes, skates, or ski boots
* Cleats (optional)
* Specialized gear for specific sports
* Sled (helmets are a good idea, especially for kids)
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Avoid Catching a Cold This Winter [23]
* How to Go Snowboarding [24]
* How to Get On a Ski Lift with a Snowboard [25]
* How to Develop You Own Style of Snow Skiing [26]
* How to Alpine Snow Ski [27]
* How to Jog in Cold Weather [28]
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
*
Links:
------
[1] http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Healthy-During-the-Winter
[2] http://www.wikihow.com/Fight-Cabin-Fever
[3] http://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Happy-During-Cold-Miserable-Winter
[4] http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Cold-or-the-Flu
[5] http://www.wikihow.com/Ski
[6] http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Cross-Country-Skiing-Technique
[7] http://www.wikihow.com/Ice-Skate
[8] http://www.wikihow.com/Walk-in-the-Winter
[9] http://www.wikihow.com/Snowshoe
[10] http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Running-During-Snow-Season
[11] http://www.wikihow.com/Jog-in-Cold-Weather
[12] http://www.wikihow.com/Snowboard
[13] http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Kids-Entertained-in-Winter
[14] http://www.wikihow.com/Go-Sledding
[15] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Snow-Angel
[16] http://www.wikihow.com/Win-a-Snowball-Fight
[17] http://www.wikihow.com/Build-an-Igloo
[18] http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Snow-Fort
[19] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Snow-Tunnel
[20] http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Snowmobiling
[21] http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Bicycle-Tires-Into-Studded-Snow-Tires
[22] http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Dogs-Warm-in-the-Winter
[23] http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Catching-a-Cold-This-Winter
[24] http://www.wikihow.com/Go-Snowboarding
[25] http://www.wikihow.com/Get-On-a-Ski-Lift-with-a-Snowboard
[26] http://www.wikihow.com/Develop-You-Own-Style-of-Snow-Skiing
[27] http://www.wikihow.com/Alpine-Snow-Ski
[28] http://www.wikihow.com/Jog-in-Cold-Weather
0 comments:
Post a Comment