During the summer, there's ample opportunity for exercising while enjoying the great outdoors. You can hike hill and mountain trails, jog through the park, swim in your pool and more. When winter rolls in, however, you may find it more difficult to stay physically active outside due to icy conditions and frigid temperatures. The motivation might be lacking as well; cozying up to the fireplace on a cold winter's night might sound more appealing than heading to the local fitness center after a long day of work. But just because the forecast has changed doesn't mean you shouldn't continue exercising! Fitness is a key element to a healthy lifestyle, promoting longevity by boosting your immune system and warding off disease and illness.
"Fitness is a key element to a healthy lifestyle."
Per the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, plus two or more days dedicated to muscle-strengthening activities every week. That's spending just 30 minutes a day, five days a week on a routine that combines exercises like fast-paced walking, jogging or running; riding a fitness bike; and lifting weights to work the major muscle groups like the legs, hips, back, core, chest, shoulders and arms.
Meeting your exercise requirements during the winter doesn't have to be out of reach! Here are a few ways to stay in shape during the colder months:
1. Head to the Mall
Whether you need to do some shopping for the holiday season or just a place to walk around, the mall offers the perfect opportunity for exercise. There's so much room to roam, and some malls even open early just for walkers. Plus, think about all of the stairs you can climb!
2. Try a Home Exercise Program
If you planned on going to the fitness center, but a treacherous winter storm has you trapped indoors, just use your living room to your advantage. Pop in a workout DVD and make the most of your time inside by getting physically fit. There are plenty of at-home exercise programs, including some for the low-impact rebounder, that offer a variety ways to sculpt your arms, legs, core and more.
3. Sign up for a Dance Class
Sure, dancing is a fun activity for expressing yourself, but most people don't realize just how beneficial it is! According to the Department of Health & Human Services of Australia, dancing helps to improve the condition of your heart and lungs, increase muscular strength and endurance, manage your weight, improve coordination and more. Find a beginner's dance class offered near your town, and give it a shot!
4. Try a Traditional Workout Class
If dancing isn't quite your style, you can always join a traditional workout class to get your blood flowing. Most local fitness centers and gyms offer instructed workout classes for a small fee, and some are even free with a gym membership. These sessions are great opportunities to learn a new exercise technique and perhaps make a few friends along the way!
5. Embrace a Winter Sport
While you may not find yourself jogging along the icy sidewalks this winter, that doesn't mean you can't get physically fit outdoors. Ice skating, snowboarding, skiing and sledding are heart-healthy activities you can embrace during the winter months. Plus, all of these winter sports pose the perfect opportunity to get the family together for something fun! Just remember to proceed with caution and take things easy, especially if you've never tried the particular sport before.
Don't Forget Your Protein!
After wrapping up your workout, it's critical that you finish it with a helping of protein. Using a supplement like our Hallelujah Diet Essential Protein can help speed up muscle recovery and build muscles to be even stronger. Our formula consists of a blend of organic protein concentrates from dry peas and rice, as well as organic raw seeds that are high in beneficial minerals.
No matter how you choose to exercise this winter, don't forget to follow up your routine with a serving of protein!
