@aumanro
Although our motivation can tend to run a little low in the colder months, winter is a great time to be daring and explore new ways to work out. This season we are mixing things up a little bit, determined not to shy away from new and exciting ways to stay healthy. Read on to find out about the winter workouts we have been loving this season, and the essentials you need to get started.
Swimming
Swimming doesn’t naturally resonate with winter workouts, sure, but indoor pools are a pretty great place to be during the cold weather. Read: warm showers, steamy spas and inviting saunas. The health benefits of swimming and water-bound activities are astonishing: increased blood flow, lung health, muscle strength and general wellness. Swimming is also available to varying abilities – whether you’re in the mood for some serious laps or a quick paddle. And here’s a hot tip – swimming counts for both cardio and strength training. Sold!
What you need:
- Swimming cap
- Googles
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Hydration
Hiking
Time spent in among all the beauty that mother nature has to offer is time well spent, we say. Solo or group adventuring in the outdoors can be incredibly invigorating and beneficial for your mental health – the fitness benefits of burning up to 500 calories an hour really are a bonus!
What you need:
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm Jacket
- Backpack
- Healthy snacks
- Hydration
Yoga
Everyone is doing it, and now we know why! Aside from the obvious health benefits of increasing blood flow and muscle strength, Yoga is an extremely calming form of exercise. Our tip – don’t be phased by the standard of the rest of your classmates, just focus on expanding your own. We always leave class feeling calm and refreshed, and we think you will too!
What you need:
- Leggings
- Sports Bra
- Yoga mat
- Hydration
Running
Running – for some, a frightening feat in the colder months. However, we’ve weighed it up and the odds are in our favour. Not only is it free, it can be quick, easy, and a great way to explore a local neighborhood or parkland. Get a great playlist set up on your iPod and hit the pavement in the great outdoors– you’ll love it!
What you’ll need:
- Runners
- Leggings
- Good headphones
- Hydration
