Top 5 Ways to Get Active in Winter

December 24, 2018

1. Start Walking. Walking a few times a week is a great place to begin. Malls and community centers are excellent indoor options. Walking can help you lower your risk for heart disease, gain muscle strength and balance, maintain bone health, increase energy and reduce the risk of falls.
2. Play outside. Play in the snow, go sledding, build a snowman or hike on a trail. Skating, cross country and downhill skiing can bring the wonder back to winter. Dress for the weather and enjoy our winter landscape.
3. Find a buddy. When you walk or work out with a friend or spouse, you hold each other accountable and support each other. You’ll be more motivated to exercise when you know your friend is counting on you. In addition to sticking to a routine, you’ll have fun!
4. Set realistic goals. Make specific and achievable goals to become more active. Start small, track your progress and celebrate your wins. By easing into exercise you will reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness. If you fall short, don’t give up. Get back on track the next day.
5. Add activity to your day. Build movement into your normal lifestyle. Try to spend 15 minutes a day walking or doing something that increases your heart rate. Park further from your office, take the stairs, go for quick walk over your lunch break, dance while you make dinner, lift hand weights while you watch TV or walk to your kids’ bus stop.