8 Ways to Stay Fit This Winter
Stairs
In addition to taking the stairs throughout the day, it's also beneficial to incorporate them into your workout routine. Stairs can be found pretty much anywhere, which makes them easily accessible for most and a great way to kick your runs up a notch. If you run by stairs, take an extra 5 minutes and run up and down them. You can also use them for stretching and strength training, such as box (stair) jumps.
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Shoveling
If or when you have snowfall at your disposable, turn it into a great workout. Shoveling snow burns about 223 calories per 30 minutes. Instead of paying your kids or a neighbor to shovel, get out there and do it yourself! Bonus: after the work is done and the driveway is cleared, have some fun by recruiting the whole family to build a snowman.
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Ice Skating
There's no better way to enjoy winter than to go ice skating. It's fun for the entire family, fairly inexpensive and offers a great workout. Depending on your schedule, you can either head to the rink by yourself for some peaceful laps, or bring your kids. Ice skating is awesome because it doubles as an enjoyable outdoor activity and a calorie burner.
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Indoor Sports
Whether you miss playing or are new to team sports, they provide a perfect opportunity to be active, social, and to reconnect or start fresh with a sport you love. Basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, and volleyball are just some of the options available to get you back on the court or out on the field.
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Dance
There are a variety of different places where you can enjoy dancing, such as dance schools, social venues, community halls, or even in your own home. Dancing is a great way to be active and keep fit. Most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise programs. To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy, or would like to try, and then look online for dance schools or available classes in your local area.
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Home Workout
Never underestimate the power of an at-home workout. With just a few items you can create versatile workouts. Break out your weights, resistance bands, medicine ball, whatever you have on hand. Don't have any small workout equipment? No problem, bodyweight exercises such as burpees, push-ups, tricep drips, squats, and lunges can be just as effective.
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Snow Sprints
Snow can make for a messy commute to work, but its use as a workout tool can be beneficial. Put on some water-resistant shoes, the appropriate clothing, and find an open, snow-covered field to run or jog on. Ice doesn't usually form on grass, so it's typically safe to run on a field of fresh fallen snow. There is something thrilling about running through snow, while taking in the sights and sounds of winter.
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Swimming
It's cold outside, so stay inside and get in a productive and low-impact workout by swimming. Swimming is a stellar workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water. The result is an increase in heart rate with some of the impact stress taken off your body. A few benefits of swimming can include: endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness.