Winter is coming, which means it may get tougher and tougher to get your morning workout in at the gym. Fortunately, keeping up the habit of an active lifestyle when the temperatures drop has never been easier. Read on to find out how to incorporate more movement into the cold days and nights ahead.
Crunch During Commercials
The colder it gets, the more tempting it can be to stay home, watch movies on the couch, and veg with a comforting, feel-good meal. Unfortunately, a winter habit of TV watching and couch potato-ing won’t do a thing for your metabolism. In fact, researchers at the University of Colorado found out that your ATLPL chemical (which is responsible for storing fat) almost doubles in the colder months. As a way to help fight the fat, make sure you’re moving during commercial breaks! For each break, do the following:
- 20 push-ups
- 15 squats
- 20 crunches
- 20 seconds of high knees
Sometimes when it’s cold, rainy and dreary, it’s tough to make it to the gym, or take a run outdoors. That’s ok—just keep moving..even if it’s on a commercial break during Modern Family or Scandal. Every movement counts!
Go for Some Trail Runs (and Know How to Dress)
If you’re serious about running, you won’t want to stop the momentum simply because the temperature has dropped. If you’re in an area of the country that snows, even better! Running through snowy trails will allow you to burn more calories with each step you take. For example, if you’re used to taking a 30 minute walk and usually burn a little over 100 calories in that time, expect to burn almost double when you walk in the snow.
Take it in stride though—depending on how slick the trails are, you’ll want to start off with a slower stride and work your way up. Most importantly, be sure to clothe yourself properly. Bundle up with moisture wicking fabric which can keep the heat in, and thermo laced pants. Most of all, buy trail running shoes with excellent traction (deeper threads). The right shoe will end up making a big difference in your run.
Make Your Winter Vacation an Active One
Planning on taking a fun-filled getaway to Aspen, or heading to a cabin in Wyoming for a romantic weekend with your spouse? A winter vacation is the perfect time to relax, spend time with friends or family, and get some new forms of exercise in! Don’t just be a snow bunny—hit the slopes to crank up your metabolism, go sledding with your best friend (burn 220 calories) or snowboard, solo (and burn 190!) In the winter months, a little exercise can go a long way!
