Moving through the Winter

If you’re anything like me, you might be reading this because you’ve shifted off track from your typical workout plan or regular physical activity due to the delightful experience of a 4:15pm sunset and the dropping temperatures. I've definitely been struggling to stay active and moving this time of year, which is normal as the winter months are a time of slowing down and relaxing, but I know there's many of you out there that enjoy and benefit from getting your body moving despite the outdoor elements.

So I’ve been thinking about some ways we can still move our bodies that might be different than what you’re used to. This blog is for you if with the winter weather, it might be a struggle to get to your gym or local workout class, or if you are just looking to find some new ways to get active that are more accessible!

Here are some ideas:

1) Nike Training Club - I LOVE this app (not an ad.. not sponsored)! This is a free app that is loaded with hundreds of different types of workouts you can do right in your home! You can choose the type of workout, muscle group, stretching, yoga, etc. There are many options with helpful videos with instructors that are relatable and guide you through the workout or stretch!

2) If you're looking to do some more strength based training, this is a place where you can get creative if you don’t have weights in your home! Think of using water bottles, canned goods, or filling a bag with some books to create some resistance. It may seem a little weird,  but don’t be afraid to get creative. Just make sure to continue using proper form to prevent injury especially when using non traditional weights!

3) Flexibility and balance exercises are almost always ones that you can do right in your home! Finding a nice yoga flow through various apps or YouTube channels can be helpful for guidance, or you can create your own! Tai Chi practice is also a more gentle option to improve balance and relaxation. Here is a link to some flexibility exercise i’ve enjoyed.

4) Want some cardio? No problem! Activities like shadow boxing (punching the air while moving your feet), high knees, hula-hooping, burpees, or jumping jacks are all movements you can do indoors to get that heart pumping.

5) Fun challenges can also help keep you engaged in physical activity through the cold gloomy months. For example, you can create a 30 day challenge with movements like planks, push ups, or body weight squats. Another challenge I like is the deck of cards. In this challenge, you assign each suit an exercise (hearts = high knees, diamonds = push ups, etc) and complete the cards with the number of reps that are drawn. This one really takes me back to my high school sports conditioning…

Hopefully these are some helpful suggestions for ways you can keep moving during this time of year. As always, stay compassionate towards yourself as this is a time of year for all of us to slow down a bit. Remember that any movement is good movement, even if it’s not your typical fitness routine. Stay warm, take care of your bodies, and we’ll get through this winter together!