How to Stay Fit As the Weather Gets Cold
By Stepy Kamei
Sure, there's something to be said for the long, sunny days of summer. The days last longer, the nights are warm, there's plenty of activities to partake no matter where you live ... but I've got to admit I look forward to autumn so much more. There's beautiful changes to the scenery, more than a few holidays to look forward to, and it just brings about a cozy vibe to it. However, this sense of coziness can all too easily be taken advantage of and used as an excuse to take some time off from getting and staying fit. You no doubt know by now that in order to truly be fit and healthy, you need to be staying active on a regular basis. Cramming in a power workout for three days in a row isn't going to do you much good if you stop working out for a week (or even longer) afterward. Plan your workouts according to the change in weather for the most seamless transition you can hope for.
Turn Chore Time into Exercise Time
Autumn leaves bring about all kinds of new chores, which is admittedly one of the less enjoyable aspects of the season. Leaves need to be raked, and in some cases, snow may even need to be shoveled as well. Rather than dreading these tasks, look forward to them as opportunities to get in some physical activity. You won't need to wake up early and hit the gym on those brisk mornings if you're keeping up with your chores! Maintain the yard regularly, and consider having a friend or partner help out to keep the task from getting too repetitive and boring.
Use the Mall as Your Gym
If you're like me, you prefer getting your Christmas shopping done earlier rather than later, and this is the perfect time to get a head start on that. Consider lingering in the mall after you've gotten the gifts you need. Walking indoors in a warm environment is a healthy activity, not to mention there more than likely will be plenty of stairs to climb up and down for even more exercise.
Stay Active with the Family
It's fine to bond with family and friends over an occasional movie night in, but consider doing some research to see what kinds of activities are going on in your neighborhood. Pumpkin patches, apple picking, and various festivals tend to crop up this time of year, and they provide plenty of time to get sun and exercise.