It is officially winter! Now that we are past the winter solstice, the days are getting longer. Slowly, but surely. I feel like we are halfway through winter and this idea of ‘officially winter’ reminds me that there are many cold days ahead of me. So, how do we stay fit through the winter? As you can see from the picture above, we are not afraid to hike in the cold. But, below we have 5 ideas to keep you fit through the winter.
#1 Take up winter sports
The sport you might take up can vary depending on where you live. But, if you are near snow, the winter sports list is long. Skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing just to name a few. All of the snow sports get your heart pumping and muscles burning. If you have never started one of these sports, it is not too late. It can be easy to rule it out because it feels like everyone else already knows how to ski. But, I snowboarded when I was young and only in the last couple of years have I taken up skiing and snowshoeing. Plus, I plan to try cross country skiing next year.
The cost of gear can be another barrier, but used gear is all around you. Check used sites, second hand gear stores, and (if early in the season) you can find swaps. If you are just starting out, you don’t need the best. Just get the best deals you can find to get you out there.
#2 Renew a commitment to the gym or join a gym
You won’t find me hating on the New Year gym goers! It is a great time to get back into a fitness routine. It can take until the New Year sometimes before you even realize you have gotten out of the habit or need to make some changes. The first of the year rumors aren’t true anyway, the busiest time of the year for the gym is actually March. Everyone joins in January, but attendance increases when the signs of winter are over. But your health doesn’t need to wait, put the gym on your calendar, start a new plan, or set new goals.
#3 Find a health and fitness community
There are other people who are staying fit through the winter! Find them. If you are a runner or triathlete, find a club to join. Is there a pool where adult swimmers can take lessons or masters classes? Join it. Find a friend to hit the gym or slopes with. Sign up for an upcoming competition. Become a class regular for your favorite group fitness.
My point is that it is easy to feel like you are alone, but there is community all around you. Put yourself out there and find the others who are keeping their winter fitness strong.
#4 Book a spring vacation
This is the perfect motivation for me. Maybe it is something else for you, but find your motivation. If I know that before long I need to be ready for grand adventures, warm weather, long travel days, and ocean swimming, I do not want to give up on my fitness. I will work really hard to be prepared for anything. I want to look good and feel good. Who wants to be too winded to make it to the top of the viewpoint that you may never see again! Not, me.
#5 Set fitness goals for the year
If you have big plans for later in the year, you will need to get started or keep maintaining now. Don’t give up your fitness now and decide in May that you want to run a marathon in August. Oh, the hip problems you will create. Now is an important time to build or keep your base fitness in preparation for your big days later in the year.