Happy New Year. I hope you had a restful Holiday season. Here’s to an amazing 2024. Those mild temperatures were quite enjoyable, but this week has us digging out the parkas, grabbing the shovels and seeing the temperatures on the thermometer drop down below zero. It is easy to hibernate inside, but you truly can only do that for so many days before you get off track.
Just because the wintry mix of weather is upon us doesn’t mean we can’t go outdoors to get moving. Here are my best tips to still get active outside.
Just do it. Honestly, once you do, you truly do feel great. I personally need to get outside every day.- You need good footwear, running shoes are prone to you slipping, so ensure you have a good nonslip rubber boot or hiking boot.
- Rain pants are good for sleet and wet snow. Put a pair of leggings under and I assure you your legs will stay warm.
- If it’s plain cold, ensure you have a good parka, or honestly just layer up and put any coat on top. If it’s raining or wet snow, I suggest layers under a good waterproof jacket. You can always walk with an umbrella if you don’t like getting wet.
- If you are out in the morning when it is dark make sure to put on a reflective vest or lights.
- Plan out your workouts for the week. If you see that one day is going to be ice or the potential for blizzard-like conditions, save those days for something indoors. But my rule of thumb is, unless it’s treacherous still go outside. The fresh air is very good for us all.
Don’t let the weather keep you in.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
