Between the cold weather and warming comfort food, it may seem like it is a herculean task to lose weight during the winter. However, this doesn’t mean that you should let your new, healthy lifestyle slide as the temperature drops. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities that you can do during the winter to stay fit. Below, you will find some of the best outdoor activities that you can do during the winter months. These are not only great for burning calories but they can work wonders for sculpting your legs and abs and can help increase overall mobility.
Skiing
If you Google the words “skiing winter workout”, the search results will yield a long list of ways that you can get into shape for ski season. There is a very good reason for that! Downhill and cross-country skiing are both fantastic workouts that target specific muscle groups that are often ignored while building overall body strength. Downhill skiing is particularly good for strengthening the hamstrings and gluteal muscles due to the constant squatting position while maintaining your balance is good for strengthening your core. It also helps strengthen the smaller muscles that surround your knees. Low-intensity downhill skiing can burn up to 350 calories per hour and is an amazing workout; however, it is important to always be aware of the risks involved and never try to tackle a mountain that is too far beyond your abilities.
Ice skating
Whether you go out on your local pond or a nearby rink, ice skating is a low-impact exercise that can burn a massive 400 calories per hour while offering a slew of other benefits including a toned core and thighs. Since it is gentle on your joints, it allows you to build muscle strength in the hips, knees, and ankles without the wear and tear of some other outdoor activities. To make it even better, it is good for building endurance and coordination which is really helpful for activities like dancing, running, and yoga.
Sledding
While a day of sledding with your kids may not seem like a major workout, climbing up a hill repeatedly can be a real kicker for your glutes and quads. In fact, it could burn as much as 400-600 calories per hour depending on how steep the hill is and how many times you climb it. Uphill climbing is also great at helping your cardiovascular and respiratory systems stay in tip-top shape. Best of all, it is a wonderful family-friendly activity that gives you the chance to unleash your inner child!
Running & Brisk Walking
If there isn’t too much snow or ice on the streets, you can also head out for a run or a brisk walk. Both activities are good for burning calories and can help strengthen your lower body while helping build bone strength. Running is a much higher-impact activity so if you have problems with your joints, you may want to stick with walking quickly. Running and walking can be done all winter long but make sure to wear breathable, wicking fabrics which will help pull the sweat away from your skin and will help you stay warmer. It is also a good idea to keep your ears covered with a hat or earmuffs.
If there is a lot of snow on the ground but you still want to head out, you may want to try snowshoeing. It is a good workout for your lower body, targeting your glutes, hip abductors, hamstrings, quads, and calves while also helping to hit your core muscles which you will use to maintain your balance.
Feeling inspired?
If you are inspired to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, give us a call to set up a free medical evaluation. Our expert staff can create a customized program designed to help you lose weight and improve your health and provide support every step of the way!
