01/29/2023 by Sheila Olson 0 Comments
Winter Workout Tips for People Who Hate Cold Weather
When the days grow shorter, the cold wind blows, and most people would rather stay cozy at home rather than take the time to trek to the gym or go for a run. It can be hard to motivate yourself to leave a warm bed, especially early in the morning, but for overall wellness, it’s important to keep up your fitness routine throughout the winter months. For avid golfers, this may include hitting a few balls at an indoor golf range.
Here, NY Golf Fitness Guru shares a few tips on how you can make it happen.
SAD and a Focus on Wellness
Psychology Today explains that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the winter blues are more common in colder months compared to other seasons. One in 10 people in the United States is affected by SAD each year. Symptoms include:
Hopelessness
Unhappiness
Irritability
Lack of interest in usual activities
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or lack of energy
Withdrawal from friends
Increased appetite and weight gain
Sleepiness
Loss of libido
While there are many ways to ease seasonal depression -- including talking to your doctor -- exercise is one of the best options. Harvard Medical School notes that outdoor exercise on mild days can increase vitamin D absorption from the sun. Even if you can’t (or simply do not want to) exercise outside, you can still reap the benefits of an indoor workout. Any physical activity you do can will help raise serotonin levels in your brain, which can reduce moodiness and make you feel better despite the weather. Plus, it can help offset any winter weight gain that may accompany SAD.
Tips for Winter Workouts
If you want to stay fit and motivated during the winter months but need a little motivation, use these helpful tips to inspire your next workout.
Avoid heavy foods that contribute to that sluggish feeling. Instead, fuel up with healthy carbs, lean protein, and plenty of good fats. Keep a couple of healthy winter recipes on hand that you can turn to when the inevitable “What should I eat?” question pops up.
Create a home gym so that working out is as convenient as possible. No more gym memberships or needing to drive to a facility. You can outfit the space with all the equipment you desire, just choose a space in your home that’s optimal, whether that’s a spare bedroom, the basement, or a space in your garage. Another benefit of adding a home gym is a boost in your home’s value; making updates can increase the appraisal value should you choose to sell at some point.
If your current residence doesn’t have room for a home gym, it might be time to relocate, especially if you rent. Luckily, whether you're looking for a New York, Ann Arbor, Denver, or Seattle rental, there are plenty of options available.
If you want to soak up the benefits of working out in the sunlight, dress properly to make it easier and more comfortable. Performance fabrics wick sweat away from the body so you stay dry and warm. If there is snow on the ground, wear sweatproof socks that will prevent your feet from becoming soaked. You should also look into ear muff headphones that allow you to listen to your favorite tunes while keeping your ears from turning blue.
Exercising inside also doesn’t have to be a big production. You can get an effective workout in the warmth and comfort of your own home. Invest in some equipment like kettlebells, resistance bands, and an abdominal roller to bring the gym straight to your house. You can also download fitness apps for your phone or tablet, as well as music to boost motivation.
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While many golfers hate winter and the weather it brings, it’s no excuse to skimp on your exercise. Working out during and after the holiday season can prevent packing on the pounds while also beating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. To stay motivated, avoid heavy foods that make you want to take a nap and plan healthy winter meals instead.
If you want to workout outside and stay comfortable, invest in some winter gear to keep you warm. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a good at-home workout. You can use inexpensive home equipment or really motivate yourself with a large purchase like a treadmill or elliptical machine.
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