Be a Winter Warrior
Don’t let winter derail your fitness goals. Make movement a priority in the cold, snowy months to improve both your mental and physical health. Try these tips:
Take Nature Walks. Research shows that being in nature produces positive feelings and reduces negative ones. Be sure to soak up some sunshine, too. The vitamin D wards off depression and stabilizes your mood.
Stay Active with Chores. When the weather is yucky, stay active indoors by doing household chores like vacuuming, sweeping, deep cleaning, or walking up and down the stairs.
Volunteer in Active Ways. Shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, walk dogs at the local animal shelter, stock shelves at a food pantry, or clear snow from fire hydrants in your neighborhood.
Bundle Up. Dress appropriately for the weather and do your normal workout. Avoid days with super frigid windchill; watch out for ice and snow; and dress in layers so you can peel them off as your temperature fluctuates.
Try a Winter Sport. Look for local sports opportunities, like ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hockey, skiing, and snowboarding. Check out these resources in Eastern Iowa:
