Working out in the winter can give you more energy and improve your overall mood. Some research even suggests that moderate exercise could give your immune system a boost and keep you from catching every cold virus you encounter.
Here are five tips to get started:
- Recruit a workout buddy. Finding a friend to regularly exercise with can help you get those running shoes back on even when you don’t want to.
- Get the right winter gear. Dress in layers that you can remove as you start to sweat, and avoid cotton, which stays wet next to your skin. A layer of fleece or wool topped by a waterproof layer helps to insulate. When it’s cold, you should be sure to protect your head, hands, feet and ears from frostbite with a hat, gloves and extra socks.
- Find a fun winter activity. Get excited for winter weather by taking up an exercise hobby that you can only do in the winter. Try ice-skating, curling, broomball, snowshoeing and skiing (if there’s snow!).
- Set a goal. Want to fit into a great new swimsuit next summer? Set a new personal record in your upcoming half marathon? Use the winter months to get you there.
- Consider moving your workout indoors. Try a new activity that you can do indoors, such as fencing, dancing, yoga or swimming.
