If you live in cold weather climate, you don’t have to reduce your fitness activities just because the temperature has dropped. First of all, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise indoors, and one of the most enjoyable if you live in the city is experienced by joining a mall walkers club. It’s a warm, secure environment, away from exhaust emissions and cold weather, can be done every day if you wish, and there are no membership fees. As well, you get to dress comfortably without worrying about bulky winter outerwear.
Active people, including seniors and young moms with strollers who mall walk, report that they have joined a social club whose members enjoy each other’s company, creating some life-long friendships. And the smell of muffins and fresh coffee in food kiosks and restaurants adds pleasure to the experience as well. Folks with disabilities find they can push their wheelchairs along the empty hallways without having to dodge shoppers. Mall walking is part of a world wide phenomenon as is evidenced by the book ‘Tips for MallWalkers’ by John H. Bland, M.D., with Jenna Colby, R.D., L.D. http://www.grandtimes.com/Tips_For_Mall.HTML The book reports that many malls have recognized the value in promoting a mall walkers club and even offer free blood pressure checks, health-related seminars, and special incentives such as coupons and special discounts.
Joining a YMCA or other fitness facility will give active people plenty of opportunity to exercise indoors as well, and you have the added benefit of knowledgeable staff and a variety of machines or activities to work on. People also report getting to know other members, turning their workouts into a social activity.
Buying a few exercise videos is the best solution for many. DVDs featuring Pilates, Yoga, fat-burning cardio workouts, and aerobics are available at a modest cost and are quite effective at keeping one fit. And don’t forget exercise balls and bands, as well as weights. People who are not very self-motivated sometimes find solitary workouts don’t work for them but if you set goals and reward yourself often for your persistence, working out at home can be very beneficial and easy on the budget.
However, if you prefer the outdoors, then investing in some cold weather clothing is essential. Dress in layers so you can peel off an outer jacket if you get warmed up. Avoid the wind and try to choose routes that are sheltered. Ensure the sidewalks in your area are maintained so there are no snowy or icy patches. Walk alone, with friends, or turn an evening walk into an enjoyable family fitness activity. Skating and skiing are other outdoor possibilities and people of all ages are discovering snowshoeing, which has a great aerobic value. Weighing less than two pounds, snowshoes appeal to people who care about their environment, enjoy the outdoors, and want to increase their own physical well-being.
Some health experts feel that the shorter days and mid-afternoon onset of darkness tells our bodies to slow down earlier in the day, so workouts in the morning are more effective. If this is impossible, it may be easier to stay motivated by joining a team sport, and getting into the competitive environment.
Whatever the plan you’ve developed for yourself, it won’t work unless you block off the time in your day-timer or calendar. Soon it will become part of your routine and once you begin to notice the increased health benefits of your regular workouts you’ll be even more inspired to let nothing interfere with your schedule.
