Sure, the weather outside is frightful and the fire looks mighty delightful, but that’s no excuse to skip exercise this winter. While it may be tempting stay indoors where it’s warm, think of all the holiday calories that need to be burned! Why not burn even more of them by working out in the great outdoors? You’ll get some fresh air and burn more calories than usual, as your body will have to work extra hard to stay warm.
It’s estimated that one-third of all people avoid exercise completely during the winter months. Don’t be a wimp when it comes to the cold. Guard against holiday weight gain and the winter blues by getting out and enjoying the cool, crisp air with these great winter workouts.
1: Hiking
Burn more calories than you would with a normal walk by going on a hike. If there’s snow, it’s even more fun and challenging. The deeper the snow, the more exercise you’ll get from the effort it takes to lift your legs. Just be sure to wear water proof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Also, tell a friend the route you plan to take. Better yet, go with a friend!
2: SnowShoeing
An increasingly popular form of winter exercise, snowshoeing is a fun way to get around in the snow, enjoy the scenery, and burn calories. A cross between running and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing is a great way for runners to stay in shape during the winter. The movements mimic running, but there’s less impact on your joints. Good news for non-runners: you don’t have to be in tiptop shape to try snowshoeing. Just get started and figure out how hard you can push yourself.
In case you’re unfamiliar with snowshoing, you may picture large shoes that look like tennis rackets. However, snowshoes have evolved into smaller, easier to maneuver platforms that hold your boots. Expect to burn around 500 calories an hour with this great cardio workout. The more you use your poles and the softer the snow, the more calories you’ll burn.
3: Cross-Country Skiing
If you’re looking for a whole-body workout that burns a ton of calories, is easy on your joints, and is fun to do, try cross-country skiing. It’ll work your leg muscles, glutes, abs, core, arms, and back at the same time. Just know that if you’re not used to this workout, you’ll feel it the next morning.
Cater your workout to your fitness level. The farther and faster you go, the more strenuous your workout will be. Burn upwards of 500 calories an hour with this winter workout.
4: Snowboarding
Want a thrill on the slopes? Try snowboarding. Fun as it is to watch, it’s even more fun to do! You don’t have to be young and daring to try it, just adventurous. A great workout for your abs, legs, and heart, snowboarding can burn up to 600 calories an hour. That’s a whole lot of waistline!
5: Walking/Jogging
Unless there’s snow or ice on the trails, walking or jogging are great forms of exercise anytime of year, in the heat or the cold. All you need is a supportive pair of shoes. Depending on your weigh, expect to burn between 80 and 140 calories an hour by walking and between 100 and 150 calories each mile you run.
Winter Workout Tips
Obviously, wintertime workouts come with their own specific risks. You can avoid these and stay safe while working out with the following tips:
- Don’t dress too warmly, but wear layers of clothing. As your body warms from exercise, take a layer off. When your body cools down put the layer back on.
- Make sure your hands, feet, and ears stay covered from the elements. Your extremities are more prone to frostbite.
- Pay attention to the wind chill temperatures. If it’s below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, (-17.8 degrees Celsius) stay indoors.
- Dehydration is harder to detect in the cold weather, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids—even if you’re not thirsty.
