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Last updated on January 24th, 2023 at 09:42 pm
Working out in cold weather is no picnic, but it also doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, some people prefer their cold weather workouts to exercising in the summer.
The cooler temps can burn calories quicker and be invigorating to your senses. If you want to work out in the cold of winter, here are some great workouts and exercises to try.
Snow & Cold Weather Workouts
Snowshoeing
While not extremely common, snowshoeing is an extremely effective method of exercising if you have snow on the ground–seriously, you’d be surprised at how strenuous it can be!
Why try snowshoeing?
- for the cardiovascular workout – you can burn as many as 1,000 calories an hour!
- low-impact muscle building
- endurance building
- balance strengthening and agility
To get started, you just need to map out a route, and hit the open trail. Make sure you do map a route and stick to it, as well as inform others that you are going and where you will be. Safety first!
Go Skiing
All of the things mentioned above apply to skiing as well. Skiing has positive effects on the heart and circulation, as well as peripheral muscles—predominately the legs.
Cross-country and downhill skiing are both terrific ways to stay fit and have fun doing it–all while taking in the beauty of nature (a bonus for your mental health).
Just make sure you consider the weather forecast, and have an emergency plan in place. Also take a partner along if possible.
Ice Skating
If you have an outdoor ice rink in your city, ice skating is another good workout. It can be a lot of fun too. All the equipment you need is a pair of skates.
Skating works nearly every muscle group in the body and helps improve joint flexibility. It also builds up the leg and abdominal muscles. Like any workout, skating improves cardiovascular health – it gets blood pumping and the heart rate up.
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Jogging or Walking
Jogging is still possible during the winter assuming the streets are clear of ice or snow. You don’t want to run in a slushy, snowy mess. That said, if it’s simply cold outside, bundle up and put on a pair of your favorite running shoes, making sure the tread is still good, and they’re not worn down.
You’ll also want to stretch before heading out, but once you get going, you may find that just getting outside, even in the cold, lifts your mood. And, if you can venture out for a run or walk when the sun is shining, there’s no better way to fight the winter blues.
There you have it, four terrific cold weather workouts. Do you have more ideas? How do you work out in the winter weather?
Also read:
5 Reasons You Should Take Up Running
How to Keep the Exercise Momentum Going
5 Benefits of Spending More Time Outdoors
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