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There\u2019s no time like the present to prioritize your physical fitness\u2014even if that time is in the middle of winter. Just because Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose, toes, and fingers doesn\u2019t mean you have to press pause on your exercise goals. Instead, it\u2019s an opportunity to get creative or, perhaps, try something entirely new.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s time to set your alarm, grab your <\/span>slip on sneakers<\/span><\/a>, and whip up a gingerbread-flavored protein shake because we\u2019ve got nine winter workout ideas that\u2019ll keep you motivated throughout the solstice. With both indoor <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> outdoor ways to work up a sweat and get your new year fitness journey<\/a> started, there\u2019s something here for every go-getter to get fired up about.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Winter seems to be the time of year everyone wants to embark on a new fitness journey. There\u2019s only one problem:\u00a0 it\u2019s snowing outside!<\/span><\/p>\n Sure, the gym is an option. But why not try some outdoor winter activities?<\/span><\/p>\n Explore these winter exercise ideas to stay in shape even when it\u2019s cold out.<\/span><\/p>\n Lace up your boots and grab a hiking stick! Some of the best hiking trails are even prettier when they\u2019re covered in a blanket of snow. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and fill up your pack with all of the essential snow gear like:<\/span><\/p>\n Cold weather has been shown to help your body burn fat quicker than if you were exercising in warm weather. So, if running is your outlet of choice in the summer months, why not tap into the benefits of taking to the open road in winter?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Just make sure to have <\/span>comfortable shoes<\/span><\/a> with a good tread, and watch out for patches of ice!<\/span><\/p>\n Anyone who\u2019s ever had to dig themselves out from beneath a mountain of snow just to find their front stoop knows that shoveling is no joke. So, if you\u2019ve recently been hit with some winter weather, skip your traditional workout and pick up a shovel instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Plus, it\u2019s a full-body workout with benefits for your arms, legs, <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>core. Extend your workout and win a few extra points with your neighbors by offering to take care of their driveway, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you live in a mountainous part of the country, take to nature\u2019s gym for your winter workout routine. Whether you prefer alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, you can\u2019t go wrong by spending a day on the slopes. These winter sports are sure to increase your heart rate and your coordination.<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to master toe loops and triple axels on the ice in order to get a workout on the skating rink. Ice skating gets your heart pumping, and it\u2019s an ideal way to improve balance, build muscle in your legs and abdominals, and maintain flexibility in your joints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best part? Warming up with a mug of hot cocoa afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n Even a simple walk at a comfortable pace is better than staying indoors when it comes to your physical and mental health. Explore your favorite trail on a blustery day, or do some research to find a path you haven\u2019t yet uncovered in your local area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For pet-lovers, this is the perfect chance to get your pup in on your winter exercise routine, too!<\/span><\/p>\n Maybe an outdoor winter workout routine isn\u2019t for you. Maybe the weather outside is just a little <\/span>too<\/span><\/i> frightful. That\u2019s okay! There are plenty of ways to stay in shape while staying indoors (even if you don\u2019t have a gym membership).<\/span><\/p>\n There are postures and exercises for every skill level, including kids and grandparents! Chair yoga, in particular, can be a comfortable option for people with decreased mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n Plus, if the winter months have got you feeling a bit blue, these yoga poses are known for being helpful in dealing with anxiety2<\/sup><\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, these classic poses are praised for their calming effects:<\/span><\/p>\n There are plenty of guides online to help beginners understand how to do these poses, as well as instructions for poses that are said to ease a wide range of ailments (both mental and physical).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If the physical activity of yoga isn\u2019t your style, taking a dance or cardio class could be another fun way to get your body <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> mind moving.<\/span><\/p>\n Plenty of exercises can be done without leaving your house or purchasing any equipment. Here you\u2019ll find some quick exercises you can incorporate into your daily schedule. This list is work-from-home-friendly\u2014a few reps of these workouts throughout the day can make a big difference without making you miss a meeting or spend extra time going to the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n This is a good place to start, but you can definitely increase the number of reps you do or the amount of time you hold a pose as you become stronger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best part? You can mix and match until you find a fitness routine that works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you\u2019ve got limited free time, you can still squeeze in an outdoor activity or great exercise class. Try fitting in reps of lunges or squats while you\u2019re brushing your teeth, or wall sits while watching TV.<\/span><\/p>\n And we mean <\/span>really<\/span><\/i> stretch.<\/span><\/p>\n Learning to stretch in a productive and meaningful way can often be the best way to start your day. Here are just a few of the benefits:3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n There are a few different types of stretching, but the stretching you\u2019ll most likely do to begin your day is known as static stretching. In other words, you\u2019ll be holding poses that stretch certain parts of your body in order to relax your muscles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For a stretch before a workout, on the other hand, you might prefer active stretching (like jogging or walking) or dynamic stretching (which involves movement and momentum rather than holding poses).<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes stretching might be the only regular exercise you can fit into your day, and that\u2019s okay! Whether you\u2019re gearing up for a winter jog or just trying to relax your joints, stretching will have a positive impact on your health.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t feel like you have to move your favorite outdoor exercise activities indoors to stay fit this winter. According to Harvard Health, working out in the cold can actually be <\/span>better<\/span><\/i> for you than a summer workout. You may even lose more calories than you would during a hot, sweaty summer workout.4<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n The following physical health benefits are possible when you take advantage of the cold winter weather:<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond your physical health, focusing on your fitness during this time of year may be beneficial for your mental health, too. As you may know, regular exercise releases endorphins, which improve your overall feeling of wellness.5<\/sup><\/span> This boost of endorphins is especially crucial in the winter when you aren\u2019t getting your full dose of Vitamin D from the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re doing a HIIT workout or chair yoga. When you make a conscious effort to get moving, you\u2019re giving your mental health that extra attention it needs to make it through the winter months.<\/span><\/p>\n Picking a winter workout plan doesn\u2019t mean you have to stay locked into a routine you don\u2019t like. When the routine you\u2019ve been using starts to become tedious or just isn\u2019t enjoyable anymore, switch it up! There are plenty of ways to improve your physical and mental fitness without running a 10k every day.<\/span><\/p>\n Follow your body\u2019s lead and take it easy on yourself. Winter can be a hard time of year to stay positive, so there\u2019s no reason to stick to a routine that doesn\u2019t make you happy.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re taking your physical activity workout outdoors or staying active inside this winter, make sure you\u2019re lacing up with the right shoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At <\/span>Vionic<\/span><\/a>, we have everything from waterproof boots to active sneakers with Three-Zone Comfort so that your footwear can keep up with you no matter where you go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vionic\u2014where motivation meets style and support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n6 Ways to Stay Active Outdoors This Winter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#1 Take Off on a Snowy Hike<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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#2 Reap the Benefits of Winter Runs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n#3 Break a Sweat Shoveling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#4 Take to the Slopes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#5 Get Your Heart Rate Up on the Rink<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#6 Go for a Winter Walk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3 Ways to Stay Active Indoors This Winter<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#1 Nama-stay<\/i> Inside\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Yoga is an ideal way to care for your mental and physical health during the winter. It has been known to improve the way people handle stress and promote relaxation.1<\/sup><\/span> Lots of yogis love to take classes in studios, but beginners can get started with nothing more than a yoga mat and some instructive videos online.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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#2 Diversify Your At-Home Workouts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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#3 Set Aside Time to Stretch<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Benefits of Working Out in Winter Months<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Forget to be Gentle With Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Vionic: Shoes That Are Fit For Your Winter Workout Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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