As the leaves start to change and the temperatures drop cooler, it pushes many people indoors for the winter season. But just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean you should pause your physical activity and goals. Working out in cooler temperatures rather than warmer temperatures has its advantages: 

1. You do not have to deal with heat or humidity.
2. You burn more fat and calories in colder weather (you can double the fat you burn).
3. It can improve your endurance.
4. Winter workouts outdoors help you to take in more sunlight.

Need some ideas and activities to help you stay active and KeepMoving in the winter? Here are some ways to do so:

• A brisk walk or run is the easiest of the outdoor exercises, as you can do this almost anywhere (be careful with uneven, slick, or icy surfaces). With the holidays coming up, you can find a park with Christmas Lights and walk through and enjoy the festivities!

• With winter, it’s also snow time! Shoveling snow is a great exercise that will work all your main muscles – i.e., clearing your driveway and sidewalk. And if you are feeling generous, help your neighbor and shovel theirs as well. “It’ll be snow much fun!”

• As leaves start to fall, they may pile up on your front lawn or in your background. Raking leaves gives you a chance to be outside, get some fresh air, and get a workout in while making your yard look great when you are done.

• If you want to stay inside and active, go for a walk around the local mall or shops. You can browse or do your holiday shopping while you walk in and out of the stores to get a nice walk and stay warm.

• Other indoor activities: walking the stairs, a home workout circuit, cleaning like vacuuming or sweeping, or any other activity that you enjoy and gets your heart rate up!

If you plan to be active outside in the winter, bundle up! The layers will help trap the heat and form insulation against the winter elements. 

Whatever you do during the winter season, remember these three things: be safe, stay warm, and KeepMoving!

Written by Corey Cargill, ccargill@ymcaokc.org