9 tips to stay active during the winter months

When winter hits, you can pull the blankets over your head and sleep again - or you can layer up and go out for a great outdoor winter adventure! There is no reason to quit physical activity when the temperature drops. Exercise in cold weather has some unique advantages over warm-weather workouts.

Physical activities on a regular basis can improve muscle strength and increase your endurance. Exercise is good for your body and can help prevent heart diseases. This is also healthy for your brain, helping you feel great and stay happy.

1. Plan Ahead

Do you enjoy outdoor workouts? It is time to layer up for doing physical activity. Get ready for the cold weather and make sure your outdoor gear is proper for the temperature drop.

2. Take the Stairs

It might be tempting to take the elevator. However, the more you go up, the easier it becomes, and the better you feel. When you are at work or somewhere else, make sure to take the stairs. As you go up these steps, it will soon add up.

3. Exercise during the Lunch Break

It is dark in the morning and dark in the evening. That is why lunchtime is the best time to work out. Walk around the building during your lunch break every day. Walking is good for your health and helps clear your mind. Involve your work friends too.

4. Swimming in Hot Pools

Go to your local hot swimming pool for a day. Swimming pools used for physical therapy usually use warm water to help relax the muscles and make stretching exercises easier. Best of all, kids and adults will love it.

5. Park Away From the Supermarket Entrance

Little things during the day all count towards physical activity. Something as simple as parking away from the supermarket entrance also adds up. So you have to walk farther to do the shopping, and you will hardly notice the difference.

6. Consider the Long-Term Benefits of Exercise

You often think about getting healthy and fit in the summer. Then summer arrives before you realize and it's already late. Try to plan ahead. When you start or continue exercising in the winter, you will be ready for summer and can get on with it more easily.

7. Find Easy Ways to Walk Indoors

It is not fun to go for a walk on a rainy day. Wet, cold - no thanks! Alternatively, go for a tour of the local mall. Just make sure you avoid junk foods on the food court. You are trying to be healthy here, remember.

8. Find Free Ways to Work Out At Home

When you can get free workout videos on YouTube, why go to the gym and pay for a fitness class in the cold? Just search for exercise videos and choose the one you like. Free up some space in your hall and start having fun. Also, invite your friends to join for extra motivation.

9. Do Some Household tasks

It’s time to get cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming. Not only will your home be neat and tidy, but you will also be moving around at that time. You can also make it fun by playing music.

So these nine easy ways will help you to stay active in winter without getting cold. Who said exercise has to be difficult?

• Jogging or running

• Brisk walking or hiking

• Ice skating

• Raking leaves

• Shoveling snow

• Sledding

• Snowshoeing

• Cross-country skiing

You don't have to hibernate during the winter months! It is possible to stay active and fit. Experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. However, even 5-10 minutes of work out a day can help you lose weight, improve your mood, and increase your heart health. So think about your workout goals, grab a partner, choose some workout, and get started!

Unique Fitness offers 3 locations here on Long Island, each with their own style and focus, attracting people of all different ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Contact us today to claim your free 3-day trial membership.