As the days get shorter and the air crisper, you may be tempted to swap out your cycling and workout gear for cozy sweaters and stay curled up indoors. But just because summer’s over doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to take a backseat. Staying active during the colder months not only keeps you in shape but also boosts your mood (goodbye, seasonal depression!) and strengthens your immune system. These five strategies will help you to stay active and energized as the temperature drops.
1. Take Your Workouts Inside, But Make It Fun
When the cold sets in, indoor workouts are common sense. But why not spice things up a bit? Instead of sticking to your usual boring treadmill run or elliptical session, try something new. Most fitness studios are buzzing with exciting options—think hot yoga, cycling classes, or a dance-based cardio session that’ll leave you feeling like you’re in the middle of a music video. Many gyms and apps also offer virtual classes, so you can get your sweat on from the comfort of home. The best part? No freezing winds or icy sidewalks to deal with.
2. Embrace the Outdoors—Just Bundle Up
Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to outdoor activities. In fact, brisk temperatures can be invigorating! As long as you layer up, you can still enjoy hiking, cycling, or even a chilly morning jog. Look for moisture-wicking base layers, insulated jackets, and accessories like gloves and hats to keep you warm without overheating. And don’t forget sunscreen—yes, even in the winter! If you’re feeling adventurous, winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating can also be a fun way to switch things up and get your heart pumping.
3. Get Creative with Home Workouts
When it’s just too cold to leave the house, turn your living room into your personal gym. You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of space to get a great workout. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups can be done anywhere, while resistance bands or hand weights add extra intensity. There are countless free YouTube workouts ranging from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to strength training and yoga, so there’s something for you, no matter your mood. Plus, you can binge your favorite shows while working out—multitasking at its finest.
4. Try an Active Hobby
Who says staying active has to actually feel like a workout? The colder months are the perfect time to explore hobbies that keep you moving while also being fun. Consider taking up something like indoor rock climbing, dance classes, or even fencing–which I’m sure we’ve all wanted to try because of The Parent Trap. Not only will you stay fit, but you’ll also be learning a new skill that could become a long-term passion. Plus, hobbies are a great way to meet new people and shake up your regular routine, adding a bit of excitement to the dreary winter days.
5. Set a Seasonal Goal
A little motivation can go a long way, especially when the weather makes it easy to skip workouts. Why not set a specific fitness goal to keep yourself on track? Sign up for a virtual race, like on Zwift, a 5K or 10K, and train for it over the fall and winter. Or, aim to master a challenging yoga pose or increase the number of push-ups you can do in one go. Having a goal to work toward gives your workouts purpose and makes it easier to push through those days when you’d rather just stay snuggled under a blanket.
Keep Moving, Keep Glowing
As tempting as it is to slow down when the weather cools, staying active can help you beat the winter slump and keep your energy levels high. Whether you’re breaking a sweat indoors or discovering a new hobby, the key is to keep things fresh and fun. After all, just because the temperature’s dropping doesn’t mean your motivation has to! Stay active, stay cozy, and keep glowing all winter long.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
