It’s been a rough winter, and if you’re like most of us, you
probably find it harder to stay active and motivated during these long months—it’s
so easy to crash on the couch and see what’s on TV instead of doing something
physical. But weeks of little to no activity can impact your health, so even
though you’re stuck inside, there are ways to start or maintain your exercise
routine so you don’t miss a step once spring finally arrives.
Eating
It’s common to overindulge during the holidays, but once the
new year rolls around, it’s time to go back to our regular eating habits…or
starting healthier ones. Carbs and comfort foods are the go-to
during the winter. And of course, snacking, which is the downfall for many
of us! But why not try lower-calorie versions of your favorite snacks, or substitute
healthier ingredients when you’re cooking? For example, did you know that
applesauce is often used instead of eggs, butter, or sugar in many dessert recipes?
It takes some experimenting and taste testing to get it right, but that’s part
of the fun. It’s the perfect time of year to make some positive lifestyle
changes, so why not give it a try? Start small, try a few substitutions in some
of your recipes, and see how they turn out.
Cardio
Winter is tricky if you’re used to walking or jogging outside.
With fewer daylight hours, colder temperatures, and unpredictable weather, it
can be tough to keep up any kind of workout schedule. If this sounds like you, the best thing you
can do is fit in workouts whenever you can—pile on the layers and fit in a quick
walk or jog around the block at lunch, before or after work, or whenever you
have a few minutes to spare. You can also move your workouts inside and change
them up until the weather improves. If
you’re used to something high-impact like jogging, why not try Pi-yo (pilates and
yoga) or kickboxing? There are plenty of workout videos available online, or
dust off those DVDs you haven’t watched in months/years to get yourself moving. If you’re outdoorsy, get on the slopes by skiing or
snowboarding—both great ways to stay in shape. Or try cross-country skiing,
which goes at a slower pace but is still a good workout. And of course, shoveling
snow burns a lot of calories, but you want to pace yourself with this activity—it’s
easy to overdo it, which can cause a range of problems or make existing issues
(like heart or back conditions) worse. It’s always recommended to check with
your physician before starting a physical activity, especially if you’ve been
sedentary for some time.
Strength Training
Strength training is another easy way to get moving and stay
limber. If you already have health issues, such as back problems, sitting still
for long periods of time can just make the problem worse. Stretch, touch your toes, do leg lifts—anything
that will prevent your joints from stiffening up and making it harder to move. During the next snowstorm or blast of cold weather,
do some stretching or toning with light weights instead of sitting in front of
the TV. If you’ve never done strength training, again, YouTube is a great resource.
What are some of your
favorite ways to stay active during the colder months? We’d love to hear from
you in the comments below!
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