Leaving the comforts of a warm, cozy house can be difficult when you have a roaring fire and luxurious blankets at hand, which is why it’s important that you really enjoy your best winter workouts.
It’s easier to stay fit and stick to a consistent schedule when you love what you do.
Skiing
If you live near a mountain or ski resort, skiing would naturally be on the top of your winter workout list. Still, you can enjoy skiing if you don’t with artificial slopes or dry slopes that mimic the surface of snow.
Skiing is all around an enjoyable activity that works out your entire body. One of the best winter workouts that challenge your muscles is cross-country skiing.
If you live in an area where it snows but aren’t comfortable with skiing, you can challenge yourself by strapping on snowshoes and trying to take a walk.
Hockey
Hockey is an exciting game that you can play all year round. Players end up running for up to 90 minutes, which is enough time to get your rate up and strengthen your muscles.
Hockey can burn almost 600 calories per hour. Plus, playing with a team can inspire you to stick to a regular schedule.
Ice Skating
Like hockey, ice skating can be enjoyed in winter and summer on dedicated rinks.
This cardiovascular activity can get your heart pumping, balance your core, help with weight loss, improve your balance, and enhance your overall strength. Ice skating works out almost every muscle group, especially when it comes to your legs and abs. Plus, it’s fun to glide around on ice—it barely feels like a workout!
Ice skating burns 500 calories per hour, which is great when combined with a great diet.
If you are ice skating outside, you’ll need to find an iced-over lake or pond. Make sure it’s safe!
Walk Your Dog
While most of the activities on this list are high-energy, walking your dog is still a great winter workout. Simply put, you’re moving your body, burning calories, improving blood flow, and increasing your heart rate. Best of all? You’re also keeping your pup mentally and physically stimulated.
Dogs need exercise just as much as their human counterparts, and it’s a great way to remind you to leave the house every once in a while. If the weather allows, try keeping each walk at least 20 to 30 minutes long, which is the amount of cardio you should try to achieve each day.
Don’t have a dog? Borrow a friend’s or neighbors! Dogs are always happy to have a walking buddy.
Workout in Your Home
Despite our best intentions, there are some winter days where exercising outdoors just isn’t in the cards.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get fit from the comfort of your own home. You don’t even need special tools or resistance bands! Some of the best workouts just use your body. Clear some space in your living room or bedroom and do some planks, push-ups, squats, crunches, high knees, and jumping jacks.
Whether you work out indoors or outside, it’s a good idea to keep a list of goals to help you establish a healthy routine. There are numerous ways to keep your body moving and maintain a healthy weight, even throughout hibernation season!
Interested in more workouts in the snow? Click here!
