There's No Reason You Need To Take a Break From Physical Activity in the Winter

How to Stay Active in Cold Weather

Coming from a hard-working Midwestern family, I've grown up with a strong work ethic and strong family values...

When winter blows in, you can pull the blankets over your head and go back to sleep—or you can suit up and head out for an outdoor winter adventure!

There’s no reason you need to take a break from physical activity when the temperature drops. In fact, exercising in cooler weather has some distinct advantages over working out in warmer weather.

Tips and benefits to keep in mind

There's no heat and humidity to deal with. Winter’s chill might even make you feel awake and invigorated.
You may be able to work out longer in cold weather — which means you can burn even more calories.
It’s a great way to take in the sunlight (in small doses). Not only can light improve many people’s moods, it also helps you get some vitamin D.
Exercise boosts your immunity during cold and flu season. Just a few minutes a day can help prevent simple bacterial and viral infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Try these outdoor activities:

Brisk walking or hiking
Jogging or running
Raking leaves
Shoveling snow
Ice skating
Sledding
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing

Know the signs

Hypothermia means the body temperature has fallen below 35 degrees Celsius or about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It occurs when your body can't produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature warm enough. It can kill you.

Symptoms can include:

Lack of coordination
Mental confusion
Slowed reactions
Slurred speech
Cold feet and hands
Shivering
Sleepiness

Children and the elderly are at higher risk because they may have limited ability to communicate about symptoms or impaired mobility affects them even without hypothermia’s symptoms and signs. Elderly people also may have lower subcutaneous fat and a diminished ability to sense temperature, so they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they're in danger.

Stay hydrated

Don’t forget to drink water when exercising in cooler weather. Thirst isn’t the best indicator that you need to drink.

Bye-bye, couch potato!

When winter weather deters you from getting outside, don’t just reach for the remote. Make your time inside count. There are many ways to get physical activity indoors — no gym required. Hand weights or resistance bands are a great addition, but not necessary. You can also wear a heavy backpack to add intensity to your workout.

Try these indoor activities:

Home workout circuit
Dancing
Active housework such as vacuuming and sweeping
Mall walking
Bowling
Roller skating
Yoga or other fun group classes at your local gym, studio or community center
Stair climbing

Fit in fitness

Follow the American Heart Association physical activity recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to improve your quality of life. Move more, with more intensity, and sit less.

What if I’m recovering from a cardiac event or stroke?

Some people are afraid to exercise after a heart attack or stroke. But regular physical activity can help reduce your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association publish scientific statements that direct health care professionals to prescribe physical activity to heart and stroke patients since there is strong evidence that physical activity and exercise after a heart attack or stroke can improve cardiovascular fitness, walking ability and upper arm strength.

If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, talk with your health care professional before starting any exercise to be sure you’re following a safe, effective physical activity program.

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