Let's face it, not all of us are going to join a gym or take fitness classes to stay in shape. But that doesn't mean we can't still find ways to stay active through our daily activities! In the warmer months it is easy to find outdoor chores and activities to keep you moving. However, the cold gloomy weather of winter adds a particular challenge to staying active, especially if you don't have a regular exercise routine. Here are some activities to get you moving this winter!
Everyday Activities for Winter Fitness
1. Going Up and Down the Stairs – Don't take the elevator, take the stairs! Going up and down stairs is actually great exercise and has greater cardiovascular benefits and builds more muscle than walking alone. Even if you don't have any particular reason to go, take a few extra trips up and down the stairs wherever you are and enjoy the health benefits.
2. Mall Walking – Going shopping this holiday season? Go a little early and take a few laps around the mall first! Pick up the pace as you shop to turn your shopping trip into a workout. Got an appointment at the Capital Region Health Park coming up? Come a little early and take a few laps around the Health Park!
3. Volunteer – The holidays are a big time of year for charities. You don't just have to give your money to your favorite charity, you can also give your time! Volunteering can keep you active and engaged. You get to burn calories and help other people at the same time!
4. Visiting Relatives? – If you are visiting relatives this holiday season, search for hiking trails nearby or other healthy activities. If you're going to be stuck at Aunt Stella's for another family holiday, you might as well find a way to get in a new workout!
5. Going on Vacation? – If you are taking a vacation this winter, go someplace warm and get some of those summer exercises in to break up the routine! Beach volleyball anyone? Here are some other ways to stay healthy while enjoying a vacation.
6. Household Chores – By doing household chores, you can burn 200 calories an hour on average. Get a start on that spring cleaning this winter so when the weather warms up you can enjoy the outdoors!
7. Walk the Dog – Just because the weather has turned doesn't mean your furry friend doesn't get to go for their regular walks. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot tea, and take your dog for a walk!
8. Dancing – You don't have to take up ballroom or swing dancing, although you could. Dancing burns a ton of calories, strengthens muscles and is a great aerobic workout. So whether you are in your own kitchen, out at the club, at a wedding, or at a work function, cut a rug on the dance floor next time you boogie down.
9. Download an App to get you Active – Smart phones have a lot of different fitness apps that can keep you active. Many of them are now designed to add an entertainment element so they are more engaging for the user. Pokémon Go was an interactive app that took the nation by storm last summer. There is even a running app that revolves around being chased by zombies!
10. Snow Removal – It doesn't matter if you use a snow blower or if you shovel the old fashioned way, clearing away all that white stuff is quite the workout. Be sure to use proper technique so as not to injure yourself and dress for the elements.