I’m sure we are all thankful for how mild this winter has been. Even with the warmer weather and the minimal snow we have still been hibernating. It’s colder, there is slush and cold puddles along the sidewalks. So often when the weather is not pristine, we hide inside. We curl up on the couch, huddle under blankets and we stop moving. When we get any snow, we drag ourselves out of our cocoons and grumble while we shovel. While we have to shovel and we love to stay warm, it’s important we keep moving. The best way to do that, is to find something you love doing in the winter.
Here are some fun outdoor winter activities to give a try:
- Snowshoeing
- Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Ice Skating
- Sledding
- Snowball fights
There are upsides and down to all of these. Snowshoeing for example is a one time cost for the shoes but can be a lot of work on soft fluffy snow. Skiing and snowboarding is a great thing that friends and family can do together but there is an ongoing cost when it comes to lift passes. Snowball fights and sledding may be thought of a something for children, please never let that stop you though, it is way too much fun to skip out on.
No matter what you decide to do trust me when I say, make sure you dress for the weather. This means good gloves, waterproof boots, coats, hats and snowpants. Scarves and balaclavas can go a long way to keeping you warm as well. It is a lot more fun to be outside when you’re not shivering from the cold or worried about things like frostbite.
If you really don’t like to go outside when it’s cold, consider finding an indoor activity to keep you moving. Yoga, Zumba and swimming (obviously at an indoor, preferably heated, pool) are just a few things that you can do year round!
No matter what it is you choose to do to keep yourself moving, make sure you enjoy it. If you can’t stay motivated on your own, find a buddy and motivate each other . It is a lot easier to stay fit and active in all seasons of the year when we are doing something we enjoy.
