Studies tell us that setting aside at least 30 minutes a day for exercise/physical activity will increase our strength and energy, it will improve our health and we will lose weight -- if we are combining this routine with smart nutritional choices of course.
During the warmer seasons, the mission for 30 minutes of physical activity doesn’t seem so daunting. We can go waterskiing, swimming, go for a jog outside or you take the children to the park and play a game. It hardly seems like exercise.
 Courtesy Photo Ann and John Lenz dance in their living room. Dancing is a great way to get needed exercise during the winter months. Vigorous house work can also be a light work out for people trying to keep the body moving during the winter. Advertisement |
But during the chillier season, this daily goal of exercise hardly seems possible. The cold weather tends to make us feel like hibernating and catching up on that favorite TV series, but that doesn’t mean we have to throw in the towel on our exercise and fitness goals. Keep focused on the benefits of keeping the exercise routine throughout the cold-weather season.
Exercise improves mood and helps manage stress and manage weight. Exercise combats chronic illnesses such as heart disease and osteoporosis as it strengthens the heart and lungs. Exercise promotes better sleep and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints and helps older adults become stronger and more able to move about without falling.
Shake up those winter blues; don’t give up on your exercise and fitness goals just because it’s cold outside. There are many creative ways to get in the 30 minutes of exercise when snow is on the ground. Make a workout out of household cleaning, go skiing or work out indoors.
Here are some more ideas for achieving your fitness goals during the winter season: Walk at the mall, join a gym or health club, swim at an indoor pool, invest in home exercise equipment, sign up for a ballroom dancing class, take the family bowling, shovel the snow off your driveway and sidewalk, and offer to clear off your neighbor’s walkway, go ice skating with some friends.
Including friends and family can increase the motivation to get moving.
If you are new to exercise, make sure you check with your doctor before you begin a fitness routine. Once you have the doctor’s approval, start slowly. Exercise for five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening. The next day, add a few minutes to each session. Soon you’ll work your way up to 30 minutes a day. Exercise doesn’t have to be drudging. Start reaping the benefits of exercise today.
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