Winter is a hard season to stay motivated. No matter if there’s a brisk chill in the air or a few inches of snow on the ground, it feels better to stay bundled up inside on the couch. But don’t let the colder weather get to you.
If you’re wondering how to stay active in the winter, then you’re in luck, as there are several simple ways to combat the lack of motivation. From working out during your daily chores to planning ahead throughout the week, these are some easy ways to stay active in the winter.
6. Monitor the Weather and Plan
The easiest way to stay active when the chill sets in is by monitoring the weather and planning. It’s easier to get out of the house and move when it’s just windy rather than when the snow comes.
Thankfully the weather can be tracked a whole week in advance. This allows you to plan which days of the week are best to go outside and move or drive to the gym.
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5. Shovel Snow
Can’t be bothered with actually going to the gym but still want to feel a workout? Shoveling snow is a common winter chore that we all have to do at one point. When the time comes, put in that work and shovel off your driveway, sidewalks, and stairs to perfection.
Need even more of a workout while being a good neighbor? Offer to clear off driveways for those around you if they’re having trouble. This is a perfect example of how to stay active in the winter while also feeling good about yourself at the end of the day.
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4. Bundle Up and Take Winter Walks
While it’s brutal outside, it’s still important to get some sun every once in a while. Bundle up to handle the chill and go for a walk. Of course, this might not be possible in some areas if there’s ice and snow, but if you can, take those walks.
Enjoy nature, feel the sun, and feel the burn in those legs. It’ll make you more productive, give you more energy, and help you stay in a better mood.
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3. Volunteer in Active Ways
Volunteering during the harsh weather is a wonderful accomplishment. You can even transform volunteering into a workout. One of the many ways how to stay active in the winter is by offering to help the neighbors with any chores they might need to get down.
This can involve chopping some wood for fires, walking the dogs for those who can’t manage to during the harsh conditions, or helping to carry groceries up those slick stairs.
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2. Do Indoor Workouts
The gym is a great option to work out while staying indoors, but once the snow and ice start piling up, who really wants to take that chance? For most of us, it might be best to cancel or pause our membership for a month or two and focus on indoor workouts.
There are countless videos online that give you quick full-body workouts that will make you feel the burn. This can also help you work out areas you might have been neglecting with your usual workout.
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1. Workout During Chores
Similar to volunteering and shoveling snow, working out during your daily chores might be the number one way how to stay active in the winter.
Do you have to clean the counters in the kitchen? Grab some strap-on wrist weights for an extra burn. Loading up the washer or dishwasher? Do a lunge or squat when doing so. Vacuuming the entire house? Add ankle weights. Dusting the house? Blast some music and dance. This is a great way to add some resistance to your everyday life by doing chores and a great way to stay active even if you’re not doing your normal workouts.