How to Stay Active During the Winter Season

December 21 at 10:27 P.M. EST is Winter Solstice, which marks the official beginning of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

The winter season can wreak havoc on fitness regimes because the days are shorter, the weather gets colder, and we tend to hibernate in our homes.

Lounging at home with a warm blanket and streaming our favorite TV show is more appealing than going to the gym or exercising outdoors in the cold and dark after work.

Another reason why winter can curve or reset your exercise progress is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is winter blues or depression due to the lack of sunlight, which people with good mental health may experience.

If you think you might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to your doctor because it is treatable with light therapy or antidepressants.

Studies have shown that people who get outdoors more often are happier, healthier, cognitively, and physically stronger.

Also, you can decrease stress and cortisol levels, promote feel-good hormones [serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine], and increase cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

Let's keep moving for the benefits of maintaining physical activity. However, sometimes the weather can hinder our outdoor exercise activities.

That is why I have put together 3 Tips to Get Through the Winter until the spring season.

1. Step it Up at Your Mall

Want to go old school? Most local malls open an hour early to provide a safe indoor walking haven during the winter.

Unable to get a morning workout because of a jammed schedule, go right after work and aim for 150 minutes weekly of physical movement for physical and mental health.

2. Stream an Exercise Video

Many online fitness videos offer classes such as kickboxing, low-impact, cycling, strength training, functional training, and Pilates, and the list can go on.

The demand for online training affected everyone, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you haven't cut the cable cord yet, scroll through your channel menu, as many cable networks offer exercise channels on demand at no charge.

3. Make a Home Gym

Most people have a home gym without realizing it, so do an inventory check of what you may have at home: dumbbells, an exercise ball, a mat, a jump rope, or resistant bands.

If you don't already own these fitness gadgets items, you can purchase most of these items at a local athletic supplier or discounted resale store for about $40 to $60.

Don't let the winter months keep you from exercising and achieving your fitness goals.

Do a proper five to ten-minute warm-up before engaging in strenuous physical activity. Cold temperatures can cause muscle tightness and can lead to injuries.

Also, we tend to forget the importance of water during the colder months and are more likely to become dehydrated, so drink plenty of water.

With self-motivation and knowledge, anyone can overcome the challenges of winter workouts.