The cold weather presents some challenges when exercising but also some opportunities. Whether you want to get out and enjoy the cold season while exercising or prefer to stay indoors when the thermometer dips, you can still enjoy many great fitness activities even when outdoor temperatures are chilly. These four workout ideas can make the cold weather a little more enjoyable while still offering you great ways to strengthen muscles and improve other areas of your fitness.
Skiing
If you’re a fan of winter weather, skiing can be an excellent fitness activity. Whether you choose to ski downhill or cross-country, skiing can help tone leg and arm muscles and benefit your heart and circulatory health. If you don’t want to go outdoors or don’t live near a ski resort but still want to experience many of the fitness benefits of skiing, you can purchase a ski machine that lets you simulate ski movements indoors. However, if you have the opportunity to visit a ski resort, many have a variety of amenities to make your stay more comfortable during your stay.
Yoga
Yoga is a great workout for the body and mind and can be done in a variety of settings. You’ll perform a series of stretches and poses that range from easy to advanced. You may choose to work out in a group setting at a gym or yoga studio or on your own in a home or business setting. If you don’t want to do yoga alone, you can hire an instructor to help guide you through the different yoga movements. You might even choose to become a yoga instructor yourself if you want to teach and do yoga regularly for a living, and certification through a yoga certification organization like Yoga Alliance Professionals can help you in your quest. Working with an organization will allow you to learn exactly what you need in order to become an instructor. Be sure to do plenty of research so that you understand what resources and knowledge an instructor requires.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is another excellent cold-weather activity that can be done either indoors or outdoors. Ice skating can improve muscle tone, stamina, and breathing, and the activity is also helpful for burning calories and shedding excess body weight. Many indoor ice-skating rinks offer public sessions regularly throughout the week, and you’ll likely find several outdoor rinks opening during the Christmas season. If the weather gets really cold in your area, you can try skating on a frozen pond as long as you know how to do so safely.
Indoor Cycling
Cycling isn’t only for the summertime, and you can experience most of the benefits of going for a bike ride by pedaling on a stationary bike indoors. The leg and glute muscles can be better toned from cycling, and your breathing and heart rate should also improve if you cycle regularly. You can attend a spin class at a local gym or use an online program to help motivate you while you’re cycling indoors at home.
You don’t have to stop working out and live in a cave when the weather gets cold. While the cold weather may limit some of your exercise options, you can use it as an opportunity to try something new. A healthy body requires consistency, so it is important to remain active during all times of the year. Once you find an activity that you enjoy, you will be able to consistently exercise no matter the weather. By trying any of these ideal cold-weather exercises, you can continue to reap the benefits of good health and fitness.
