Fighting Fitness Freeze

If you find that your motivation to stay fit has been dropping just as low as the temperature outside, you aren’t alone. When the sun sets earlier in the day, much of the population responds to the lack of sunlight exposure in the form of seasonal depression. This all-too-common disorder brings about frustrating symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, increased appetite, and an inconsistent sleep schedule, all of which can add up to worsened physical health.

Yet, as daunting as it may feel to get up and exercise at this time of the year, it can be far simpler – and even more fun – than you’d expect. Not to mention, getting consistent exercise will boost your immunity, adding some extra protection this cold and flu season. Let’s look on the bright side of just how rewarding it can be to get your body moving in the wintertime.

It is a cold hard fact that even the most committed of joggers can dread going outside on a brisk day. However, take comfort in the fact that there is no blazing heat or stuffy humidity to deal with– two obstacles that leave runners drained and dehydrated in the summertime. Plus, the chilly air can shock your system awake, invigorating your body to keep moving forward. Whether you’d prefer an all-out sprint or a more relaxed walk, stepping outside gives you an excuse to appreciate all the stunning facets of nature unique to the winter season.

There are countless ways to get your blood pumping while also having a blast with your friends and family. For example, an act as simple as sledding has been shown to burn an average of 400 calories per hour. Even at a leisurely pace and in a casual setting, one hour of skiing or ice skating can crank up the count to 600 calories burned. These super-cool activities are in full swing at this time of the year, so gather your loved ones and get out on the ice!

If you’re reluctant to leave the comfort of your own home, don’t worry; there are endless opportunities to turn everyday chores into a pseudo workout routine. Picture shoveling snow off your driveway, raking leaves on your lawn, or even vacuuming and mopping the floor. Each one of these responsibilities requires a high level of motion from your body (and usually some elbow grease), which qualifies them as a genuine form of exercise. Also indoors, another nifty option is following along to an instructional pilates or yoga video on your TV. If you have a treadmill or other exercise machine in your home, why not take a few minutes at the end of your day to put it to use?

Understandably, it can feel like a real hassle to exercise when the weather isn’t cooperating, but all you truly need is that first push to get moving. Keep these tips in mind– your body will be thanking you by the spring!