Cold weather and shorter days make it harder to get out of bed and stay moving throughout the week. After the New Year’s exercise motivation wears off, a trudge through the snow to get to the gym is not very tempting, especially with seasonal depression coming in at full force. Here are a few ways to keep your body moving this winter to help you get over your activity slump:
- Go ice skating. This is the perfect time to put on some skates and go to the ice rink in town. If you miss your summer roller blading, ice skating is a great substitute. This activity also works really well for a date or girls’ night, so gather up your friends for a fun group event.
- Go for a walk. I know walking around in the cold might be the last thing you’d think of doing, but a walk is a great way to reconnect with nature and let your mind reset. Take advantage of the rare sunny days by spending time outside and soaking up some vitamin D. Bundle up with a scarf, hat, glove, and warm socks and enjoy the fresh snowfall. You will warm up as you start moving, and you can always enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee when you get back (or bring some with you in a thermos).
- Have a snowball fight or build a big snowman/fort. This is a great way to bring back some childhood memories and play around in the snow for a while. It may seem like just fooling around, but you’ll be sore and panting when you come back inside.
- Take a Group-X class. Yes, this does require getting up and going to the gym, but a group class is a great way to break out of your solo routine when you’ve lost motivation. You don’t need to think about a workout plan, just show up and the instructors will guide you. A nice and calming yoga class is also much more approachable than an intense, heavy workout, so it’s the perfect option if your energy is lower than usual.
- Go for a swim at the Co-Rec pool. It would take quite the imagination to pretend you’re taking a dip in the ocean on a warm sunny beach, but swimming is an excellent winter cardio substitute for runners. When it’s too cold and icy to safely go for a jog, try swimming a few laps instead. Make sure you take advantage of the sauna afterwards to warm you up before you head home.
There are still plenty of opportunities to stay active in the winter. If you feel like the weather is taking a toll on your energy level, try some low-intensity exercise to change up your routine. You don’t need to be pushing yourself to extremes to be active, any movement is a step in the right direction. Hopefully this list provides the push you need to start feeling like your summer self again.