So the winter has dumped snow in your area and you cannot go for that bike ride or that morning jog. Or if your like me can't really go to the track or run stadium steps. In some extreme cases you may not be able to get to your local gym because of the street conditions. With some of us the first thing we are inclined to do at the signs of a snow storm is we bum rush the local super markets to load up on 'comfort food' (a sweet angelic way of saying CRAP in my opinion) and sit in front of the TV. Okay one day you deserve at least that face it we are all human. But lets not use the weather as an excuse to get off of our fitness game. The die hards know what I am talking about. For those who live in areas where they are accustomed to getting lots and lots of snow are well aware of the calorie blasting activities available to you especially if you live near places that provide a wide range of winter related sports.
But for those of us in the urban and suburban areas may not have access to the physical or monetary resources required by the winter sports. You still need to get out and get active and here are some ideas
1. Hiking. This is by far my most favorite activity during a winter storm especially in a relatively hilly suburban area. You can burn an unbelievable amount of calories just walking in the snow at a moderate pace. I did more than a 3 mile walk today and I managed to keep my heart rate in the optimal zone for my age. It was an amazing workout. I walked around town just running errands and to the coffee shop.
All you need is a good pair of boots, and dress warm. And to make it more challenging for myself I strapped on my backpack with my laptop, some fruit, and 2 liters of water.
2. Sleighing. If you have children this workout is fun and efficient. You can pick up any inexpensive sleigh from your local toy store or sporting goods store. Pulling and pushing the kids is great upper and lower body workout. Sleighing can provide you both a decent cardio and resistance workout.
3. Shoveling snow. This can be very hardcore and intense so be careful and pace yourself. Shoveling snow burns massive calories and sends your heart rate soaring. When I shovel snow and I need to get in a good workout I not only shovel my areas but I may shovel several of my neighbors areas and even the local public bus stops. That's right get that workout in and be a good Samaritan at the same time. Shoveling snow can be a total body workout (upper, lower, & core)
4. Lastly, if you are gonna just sit at home then take a few minutes and use a core stability ball. Sit on it, do some crunches, or any balancing exercises. These balls can be purchased for less $20. Do a few circuits and throw some pushups, lunges, squats, and jumping jacks in the mix for 20 to 30 minutes.
Well there is enough to get you started so there are no excuses, at least no weather related excuses, to let your conditioning decline during a winter storm. At least try to offset some of that 'comfort food' that you know we all will consume during this time.
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