It’s pretty common for people to opt for inside activities as opposed to outdoor when the days get shorter and the temps get lower. I’m as guilty of this as the next person! The thought of layering up and bracing the wind, brisk temperatures, and other elements, is enough to convince to just say “eh, not today” and stay home where it’s warm and cozy.
For this very human reason, it’s just as common for most people to put on a few extra pounds once the winter months start to set in. Staying active outdoors is more difficult to do, as sports clubs tend to shut down, parks close earlier, and it’s often just too cold to enjoy outdoor entertainment. Plus, peoples’ schedules start to become more packed with holiday planning and family travel, which means there’s less time to hit the gym or sign up for those workout classes.
Especially after the first winter season of the pandemic, we’ve all gotten creative with how we can stay active this winter season, even if health safety is still one of our primary concerns. I haven’t had a gym membership since 2020, and while I do miss some of the elements of physically going in-person, I don’t miss the commute, the cost, or even having to work out in front of other people. I’ve learned to get creative with my fitness with the unique elements I have in my back pocket – or my backyard! Here are just a few ideas that you can take and adapt as it fits your own needs.
- Stairs are your friend
Any other day, I typically hate the stairs, but now that we’re all getting creative with our workout plans, I’m realizing just how great of a basic tool these simple things are. Since I’m not commuting as much and climbing in and out of subway stations, I’ve decided to use the stairs in my apartment building as much as possible. Our building has an elevator, but if I’m not in a rush, I’ll use them to whiz down to grab my mail or take my time climbing them after running errands. It’s the perfect way to keep my heartrate up, and it’s also a decent reminder of how in-shape or out-of-shape I am. (These reminders are sometimes awful, aren’t they?) Plus, because of the elevator, not a lot of people use the stairs, so I feel like it’s a guaranteed private workout, which makes the whole concept even easier to digest.
- Squeeze in “invisible” workouts
I made this up myself ever since I started working from home full-time and wasn’t going to the gym anymore. I started to notice that I was getting a bit “softer” around the middle and wanted to do something about it. Without establishing a disciplined workout routine at home, I pulled out some free weights, my yoga mat, and a few resistance bands. By keeping them out and within eyesight, I’d pull them out do some random workouts in between meetings. Instead of walking to my kitchen to get coffee, I lunge-walked. While watching TV, I’d workout my arms a bit so I wasn’t mentally focused on just the workout or the TV. This a great way to integrate some fitness into your day without the need of carving out designated time for it, which requires an entirely different level of discipline and dedication.
- Take your walks
I know this one is super cliché and overdone, but I can’t express how much this simple activity helped me navigate the pandemic and clear my head. There were some days when I wouldn’t leave my apartment at all, and I began to go stir crazy. I’d go on a walk, and suddenly, the fresh air would do wonders for my head (both physically and mentally), and moving my body, even just for a half hour, made me feel refreshed, energized, and calm. And bonus: while on these walks, I got to see so many happy puppies, enjoying their own walks, too! Try taking a different route every day to keep your scenery fresh, and take note of all the new restaurants you see popping up along the way.
November unofficially marks the kick-off to winter – if you’re looking to stay active while we’re still navigating the pandemic and as the temperatures sink, listen to your body. It’ll tell you what it needs, what it likes, and how to keep it active. You’ll be feeling better in no time!
