When it gets cold outside, you spend more time indoors doing sedentary activities, and it can be challenging to stay active. It is worthwhile to plan some time in your schedule a few days a week and ensure that you get the necessary activity.
To get health benefits from exercise, adults need to exercise for a total of 2.5 hours a week - each exercise for ten minutes or more. These activities need to be moderate to an intense aerobic workout. Moderate low physical activity includes cycling or brisk walking. Generally, if you sweat less and breathe more than you move every day - your exercise intensity will be moderate. High-intensity activities include jogging or cross-country skiing, and you will probably feel sweaty and short of breath.
Tips To Help You Keep Motivated & Stay Active in The Winter Months
Here are some ways to stay active in cold months:
1. PLAN AND PREPARE ACTIVITIES
If activities appear on your calendar, you probably will not forget them. Being prepared also helps to develop good habits.
2. LOOK FOR ENJOYABLE LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Such as skiing, skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
3. USE YOUR DAYLIGHT HOURS
It is soother to stay outside when it is still light out. It's easy to miss activities if you start them late in the day.
4. DRESS IN LAYERS
Insulate your body. If you can keep your body warm, it will be easier to stay active outside.
5. LOOK FOR INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Look for indoor activities in the local community center. It may be an aerobics class, basketball, badminton, or yoga class.
6. VISIT A LIBRARY FOR MORE MOTIVATION
Many free exercise DVDs you can borrow, including dance, walking, aerobics, and Pilates. You can use the due date as a deadline to pick up another!
7. CLIMB STAIRS
Deliberately add more steps to your day. Consider going up and down more than once in your home, mall, or office building during your normal daily activities. Just five minutes can make a big difference in your health.
8. TAKE A FUN RUN
You can often not find competitive "fun tracks" in your community that is usually between 5 and 10 kilometers. You can invite friends and family to join!
9. FIND AN ACTIVITY PARTNER
Find someone willing to be active as often as you and come up with a plan. They can meet for morning walks or afternoon workouts. Having a friend will make you accountable.
The Takeaway
To help set activity goals based on your specific musculoskeletal needs, you can always consult your chiropractor about activities that are best for you.
No matter what activity level you are at, remember to stay hydrated. It's easy to forget to drink water when the weather is cold, but your body needs just as much hydration in a snowstorm as in a heatwave.
Above all, stay motivated. Reconsider your goals (or find tips for setting new goals) to make sure you're still on the right track. Plan and make sure you can visualize your goal while looking at the finish line.