Winter is right around the corner. In fact, here in my little home town, we already had six inches of snow! Our District cross country meet had to be postponed because of the snow, which then temporarily stopped our training. So, what will we do when the snow is here to stay? We can’t just not run all winter. Instead, here are some fun, some even creative, ways to keep up your fitness while staying safe.
First, is cross country skiing. Now, you may be wondering, how will this help me with running? Well, by doing this, you get aerobic exercise and increase the amount of oxygen that your body takes in. Not only do you gain these things, it is a great way to stretch your calves, hamstrings, and back muscles. So, overall, you gain flexibility, fitness, and respiratory endurance, which will give you a much better performance when you go back to running. If cross country skiing isn’t for you, try skiing downhill. This has the same effects on your body as cross country skiing.
Maybe you are thinking, I’m not a skiing person. Well, don’t be alarmed, more activities are coming your way! Swimming also is a great way to maintain fitness. You can either swim or aqua run. Both of these activities will help you to build upper-body and core muscles, increase blood flow, and maintain cardio fitness.
Don’t be alarmed if none of these exercises suit your liking, because there are more coming your way! Maybe, you want to run, but know the safety conditions outside do not allow it. A treadmill is the perfect solution. By using a treadmill, you can run and control the type of workout you do. Also, you can determine your heart rate the whole time!
Another great way to keep up fitness is to go to the gym and use weights. This will help you to lessen your risk of injury, especially if you focus on strengthening your back and all legs muscles. Some of the leg muscles that you should include are glutes, trunk, and hip rotators.
Still, though, if none of these appeal to you, you can use a stability ball. By using a ball like this, you can improve many things. All four of the major muscle groups get a quality workout from using a ball. Flexibility, balance, coordination, and core strength are all improved. Lastly, they will stabilize your spine to help prevent injuries to the lower back and hips.
There is one last exercise that basically everyone will enjoy…a snowball fight! Now, you may be wondering how will this help? Well, snowball fights typically start out by being outside sled riding or walking. Not only does the walking up the hill or through the woods help, but then the fight itself will help give you general exercise.
Personally, I do a few of the things on this list. First, I use a treadmill. When the roads are icy or it gets too dark, I use a treadmill. By doing this, it helps me maintain my fitness while staying safe. Also, I go to the gym. I work out by doing a lot of leg and ab workouts. Also, I do a spinning class, which is extremely challenging biking. Now and then I swim but not very much. Lastly, I ride sleds and play in the snow. This helps me to build my fitness and stay active while having a good time.
Hopefully since cold weather is right around the block you will be able to try at least one of these things. Let me know which one of these works best for you and why. Have a marvelous running Monday!
Info and pics: http://photos.broomfieldenterprise.com/Weather/Snowball-Fight/10133997_RXFDWG/1/696677523_tzN2N/Medium
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