Advantages of Staying Active in the Winter

Living in Texas, winter is pretty short-lived (thankfully). With less humidity and shorter days we usually also see some lower temperatures that can make working out seem a little less interesting. 

Unfortunately, wintertime hibernation isn’t good for us. Inactivity may cause us to put on weight, especially with all that holiday food. We may also experience pain, discomfort, and even injury due to body stiffness, which is often the result of our muscles contracting to stay warm in the cooler temperatures. This is why it’s important to maintain a certain level of physical activity even during winter. 

If you're keeping up with your workouts, but are still experiencing joint or muscle pain that won’t subside, come in for an evaluation. We can help you with stretches that will keep you limber, addressing any significant pain, and by realigning your spine so that it will help you move easier. 

Advantages of Working Out in the Cold Weather

If you need a little more convincing that working out when it’s under 70 is a good idea, here are some advantages of the winter workout:

1. It’s a mood booster. Getting outside for a workout helps you get at least some vitamin D and improves your mood. Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise and twenty minutes of sunlight exposure are proven to help keep away the winter blahs.
2. You can work out for longer in cooler weather, improving your endurance and helping you get even more in shape. You also burn more calories when your body is cold.
3. Moderate exercise helps boost your immune system. This can reduce your risk of getting a cold, COVID, or other germs that are out there. Be sure you also get good nutrition to complement the boost that exercise gives your immune system.
4. The need to warm up in terms of temperature helps you warm up in terms of stretching, and the habit can stick with you. Stretching your muscles can reduce your risk of injury.

Of course, the problem with exercising in winter is coming up with things you can do in the cold weather and will enjoy.

Good Winter Workouts

Here are a few great exercises for the winter.

1. Texas doesn't get much in the way of snow, making a winter walk or hike a pleasant experience.
2. You can still jog or run in the winter, but be careful in low temperatures when ice might be an issue. Sometimes the paths or other areas that don’t get a lot of sun will be icy.
3. Walk laps of the mall. If it's too cold to walk outside, then walking around an indoor mall is pleasant. It's even better if you can get a group together.
4. Go bowling with your friends. Bowling burns a surprising number of calories and is also good for your range of motion.
5. Take the stairs. Ban yourself from the elevator unless you're carrying or pushing a lot of stuff.
6. Go to the local indoor pool and remind yourself of summer with a swim. This can really help with those winter blues, too.
7. Sign up for yoga, Zumba, or another group exercise class. Many people find that the accountability of group classes helps them stick with it.
8. Download a workout app for your phone and start a home workout regimen. Many of them can be done without equipment other than a yoga mat.

The most important thing is to find a winter activity that you will stick with. Even if you’re not doing things outside, it can seem harder to get out from under the blankets in the morning or get off the couch in the afternoon when it’s colder outside. But you’ll love the results. And remember, winter here isn’t usually too long so you can get back to your summertime routine feeling strong and healthy if you keep up the winter workouts.

Keeping your body moving helps keep your joints and spine in good health, but if you need a bit of extra help, .