Don't Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routineby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 08 Dec 2008 11:05 PM We are in the middle of a major winter storm. When all is said in done we will be buried under 10-12 inches of snow. That's on top of the 7 inches we were socked with last week. Then, there's the bitterly cold tempeatures (we didn't get above 20 degrees last week) and the dangerously frigid wind chills. It's a wonder how gyms in Wisconsin sustain themselves during the winter months. I could easily ditch my exercise routine and chock it up to Old Man Winter, but I have that darn marathon I committed to running, so I don't have the luxury of skipping. If you are tempted to let Mother Nature's wrath derail your fitness routine, consider the following winter weather workout tips: Workout at Home. If you can't stand going outside during the winter months, consider creating your own mini-home gym. There are a slew of exercises you can complete that don't require expensive equipment. Go to the libraary and borrow books on yoga, Pilates, and aerobics. Or pop in a fitness DVD or download a workout on your MP3 player to get you going. If you have the funds you could get a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike. Having your own equipment might be the key to keeping you motivated throughout the year. Bundle Up. If you prefer exercising outside add a layer of thermal underwear to your fitness gear. The added layer will keep you both warm and dry by wicking sweat away from your body. Take Advantage of the Winter Weather. Winter brings with it the opportnity to go sledding, skating, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. All of which helps burn calories. Get your kids involved and make exercisiing a family affair. Finally, if you choose to exercise outdoors during the winter months make sure you don't push yourself. Cold air can trigger exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Related Articles: How to Make Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season Don't Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine Looking for a Treadmill this Christmas? How Often Do You Use Your Home Gym? Bad Things Happen When You Stop Going to the Gym Creating a Challenging Workout Routine Exercising on the Road: No Excuses Why You Want to Build Muscle as You Age Creating a Fitness Routine that Works for You Taking Advantage of Fall's Cool Weather Ways to Integrate Exercise into Your Life Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantfitness tags Food | relationships | children | weight loss | ideas | parenting | Kids | holidays | pregnancy | family User Comments creatine (5) 09 Dec 2008 05:36 AMThis is interesting. I will apply those tips. Anna Ware http://www.tntmuscle.com  cwalker3 (10) 09 Dec 2008 12:49 PMI try to enchorage people to train harder during the winter months so you can see the results by the spring when the clothes are less. Clinton Walker III www.makeoverfitness.com pgaclay (5) 09 Dec 2008 03:38 PMGreat point about the issues that can arise when working out outdoors in the cold. Another great point this time of the year is sickness. Cold's and flu's are all over the place and one of the worst places to get them is in the gym! It's beneficial for you to try and workout from home during the holiday's to reduce your chances of getting sick. If you do go to the gym, make sure to always use the cleaning spray to sanitize the equipment BEFORE and AFTER you use it. The first place you should go immediately after completing your workout.....the bathroom to wash your hands! Clayton Garland, PGA, C.G.F.I. http://blog.pgaclay.com  mcmama (51978) 09 Dec 2008 06:46 PMWell, I am sitting here instead of running in a dark and dreary monsoon. Means I have to get up tomorrow morning and get it in before work.  Michele Cheplic (37339) 10 Dec 2008 05:40 AMThanks for the comment Clayton! You offer great tips that we should all follow!! Michele Cheplic (37339) 10 Dec 2008 05:42 AMYou go Janet!! Does your workplace have a gym? I find working out on treadmills when the weather's bad is a decent alternative. Community Tags cold weather fitness, exercise, fitness, holiday fitness tips Discuss this article
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