It’s easy to get in a good workout during summer – the options are endless. You can take a walk outside, go for a jog, ride your bike, or enjoy a swim without having to worry about ice, wind or snow. But, despite the chilly and sometimes difficult weather, there are just as many options for training during the winter months.
The changing seasons present us with an opportunity to mix up our workout routines, which can lead to some great benefits for your overall health and fitness level! If you’ve been stuck in a rut and need some fresh ideas, check out this list of options for winter workouts. You just might find a new favorite.
Take a yoga class. If you’ve been pounding the pavement all summer long, try taking a Hatha, Vinyasa or Bikram yoga class. All types of yoga will help you avoid the injuries that come from repetitive motion sports. Yoga lengthens your muscles and helps build functional strength, which protects your joints.
Hit the weight room. Winter is a great time to take the focus off longer cardiovascular workouts and build strength. You can get a great full body workout in 30 – 45 minutes, two or three days a week. Strength training will increase your metabolism and lay the foundation for optimal performance when you go back to your normal routine in the spring.
Try a new sport. Now is the time to sub-in a new activity at least once per week. Join an adult league, take a spinning class, or even just try a new machine at the gym.
Get really creative – let go of structure. If you’re used to clocking the same 45-minute workout four times per week, give yourself permission to completely change one or more of those workouts. Don’t be a slave to routine! Fitness experts recommend mixing up your workouts anyway, just to avoid injury, burnout and diminishing results.
Winter doesn’t have to be a drag on your fitness. This year, why not set a new seasonal tradition of giving yourself the gift of new skills in your exercise routine? All of these activities can be tried out at the Murray Park Center. Stop in and see us!