Keep moving during dark winter months

As the days get shorter, the weather colder and event calendars more full, starting an exercise program, or even maintaining your current one, can seem like just one more thing on your list. However, physical activity can actually help you stave off the desire for winter hibernation. Here are some tips for taking your workout indoors and keeping your outdoor workout safe.

Taking your exercise indoors

For some, exercising outdoors during the cold, wet, dark winter days is not an option. But finding an indoor exercise that gives you the same “burn” indoors might be more challenging. Here are some ideas for keeping your indoor exercise interesting and challenging – these can be done in a gym or modified for the home:

• Try a new cardio class, DVD, or video game that will get your heart rate up and make you sweat: Boxing, Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba and Krav Maga are just a few classes trending right now.
  
  
• Interval training – where you alternate between strength training, cardio bursts and short rest periods – are highly effective. At home: use your body weight or light hand weights. Get creative and set up “stations” around the house for squats, lunges, push ups, dancing, running in place or jumping rope.
  
  
• Turn on music and dance around your house. This can also make household chores more fun while killing two birds with one stone!
  
  
• Join one of the over 100 gyms in our region that offer membership discounts to King County employees.

Staying safe during outdoor exercise

Personal and physical safety are key to maintaining a successful outdoor winter routine.

• Dress in comfortable, non-bulky layers. Make sure the layer against your skin is a synthetic fabric that keeps sweat away from the body. Don’t forget a hat, face mask, scarf and gloves if weather gets particularly cold or windy.
  
  Make sure you are seen. Wear reflective clothing and bright colors. Whether biking, running or walking, add reflective strips to your clothes as well. Consider wearing a helmet or headband with a headlight. Add to your safety by making sure to use pedestrian crosswalks whenever possible.
  
  
• Take care of your body. Remember to do a proper warm-up and cool- down, along with stretching. Make sure to stay hydrated, which can be difficult to remember when not “feeling” warm.

Resources

• For specific exercises you can do at home, visit Discovery fit & health
  
  
• Exercise and cold weather: Tips to stay safe outdoors - Mayo Clinic
  
  
• Check out exercise videos for free at your local library