Getting Outside in Winter - Outdoor Activities to Keep You Active This Winter

If you take your wellbeing seriously then you probably already know that regular exercise is key to maintaining vibrant health. 

Sure, this is easy to maintain when the months are warmer and the outdoors are much more inviting, but I am about to encourage you (and perhaps inspire you) to continue getting outside… even in the cold of winter! 

Hopefully this article invites a new perspective on the health benefits of cold temperatures and inspires some new ideas and activities for you to try. 

Why is it Healthy to Exercise Outdoors in Winter?

Burn more fat - Working out in cold temperatures actually has the ability to increase calorie and fat burning and can boost overall metabolism. A great way to maintain a healthy winter weight and keep energy levels high through the winter blues.

Boosts Mood - Due to lower humidity of cold temperatures and your body needing to work harder to stay warm, your endorphin production increases. This boosts feel good hormones in the body. This works hand in hand with the parasympathetic system which also helps to relax and refresh the body.

Vitamin D - Crucial for our health, this vitamin is most powerful when our body receives it in its natural form. In winter months we are typically indoors a lot more making it harder to get that sun on our face. Exercising outdoors in the winter on a sunny day is a great way to get this nourishment that benefits our bones, muscles, joints, tissues and mental health!

Key Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather:

Dress in Layers - Make sure you wear layers that can be easily removed as getting too sweaty can lead to being very cold, very fast if you stop or slow down for a long period of time and stay in the cold temperature. 

Warm Up - Cold weather adds more tension and stiffness to joints and muscles. Taking the time to warm up before a workout is crucial as it will lessen the risk of injury. Some good dynamic stretches are a great way to go.

Take Care of Your Skin - Harsh temperatures can be rough on our skin and cause it to crack and dry up. Keep your skin nurtured and hydrated with moisturizer and drink plenty of water.

Drink Water - A no-brainer tip for anytime, anywhere. Our bodies are made up of water and always need hydration but most importantly when we are sweating a lot! Keep your water levels up and stay hydrated to also help with your post-workout recovery.

Winter Friendly Exercises & Activities Ranging from Easy to Moderate:

Walking - Simple. If you have a dog, you are already out and about every day, extend your walk to get some added exercise, or better yet - get out of the city and go hiking in nature.

Play in the Snow - You don’t need to be a kid to enjoy the snow. Make snow angels, build snowmen, have a snowball fight. This is such a playful way to get moving.

Ice Skating - If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor skating rink where you live - this is a seasonal favorite, and usually pretty darn fun!

Skiing or Snowboarding - More than just a winter thrill, you’ll get a workout in on your downhill as well.

Outdoor Sports - If it isn’t snowy where you are, there’s always options to get out there and play tennis, soccer, shoot hoops or even throw a frisbee. Why hold off on playing outside just because it’s cold? Bring some hot chocolate to enjoy with a friend afterwards.

Hill or Stair Running - A great way to get warm, real fast. Hill or stair running is an excellent way to boost cardiovascular health and burn extra calories. 

Cold Dips - This isn’t necessarily a workout exercise to try, but if you are feeling daring and live near a body of clean water, short bursts of cold exposure has proven to ease muscle pain, reduce inflammation, regulate mood, reduce fatigue and increase metabolism.

Chopping Wood - A great full body workout, this works the arms, legs, core and shoulders! Next time your partner goes to chop wood, give them a break and take the opportunity to get some fresh air and some extra physical exercise. 

Raking Leaves or Shoveling Snow - Not the most exciting activity, but don’t forget it’s still a great workout! 

Join a Group or Class - Believe it or not, people still gather for workouts in cold weather! It is proven to be a much more enjoyable and bonding experience when doing physically challenging things together as a group. 

Stay warm, and stay active!