7 Ways to Stay Physically Active in the Winter

As the temperature drops and the snow falls, there’s an important question you need to answer: how do I stay active during the winter? It’s an easy answer for those of us who enjoy cold-weather activities such as skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. There are even those who hike or run in the winter, plus there are the adventurous types who love to ride their fat tire bikes through the snow drifts.

For the rest of us, the cold, ice, and snow cast a chilling blanket on our motivation to stay active. There’s a huge temptation to wrap ourselves in blankets and hunker down in front of the television until spring arrives. However, there’s no need to become a couch potato and neglect our physical and mental health during the cold months. To help combat that lazy winter feeling, here are a few strategies to make it easier to stay active all year.

Join a Gym

If you are not already a gym member, you can choose from different types. There are full-service gyms that offer all types of exercise options, plus personal trainers and group classes. These are often the most expensive options. There are also gyms that are less costly because they offer a stripped-down selection of fitness equipment and usually have no classes or personal training. One advantage of this type is that many offer 24/7 access via key fob or secure entry keypad.

Often, gyms and fitness centers have membership sales campaigns after the December holidays. Look around online around this time, and you can likely find new member specials that could save you money. The same goes for specials on workout clothing and gear. Look for out-of-season clothing on Black Friday and holiday specials. New exercise clothing can be an additional motivation to stay active.

Workout at Home

Some of us don’t prefer to join a gym and would rather work out at home. The reasons can include cost, convenience, and a preference for private exercise. There are many ways to enhance your home exercise experience. You can equip your home gym with equipment like weights, resistance bands, stationary bikes, and treadmills.

Many brands specialize in home exercise. For example, many treadmill manufacturers make folding versions that save space when not in use. Some brands allow you to participate in virtual group sessions (live or on demand) via screens so you can get guidance, motivation, and socialization from the comfort and convenience of your home.

You can exercise at home at a lower cost by streaming videos or playing DVDs that lead you through exercise routines. All you need is a mat and your phone, tablet, or TV to get professional instruction and inspiration in support of your winter fitness goals.

Find an Indoor Pool

Many gyms, schools, and community centers have heated pools. Look online for open swim or lap swim hours. Often, these facilities offer swim lessons and fitness classes, such as water aerobics.

Look for Community Classes

Many communities and school districts offer physical fitness classes. Typically, these are held at community centers or in school facilities and often cost less than at private gyms. Examples are yoga, Pilates, and aerobic dance. These classes are also a great way to meet people in your local community.

Search for Indoor Walking Opportunities

It is not uncommon for gyms, schools, and community centers to have walking tracks that are open to the public. Some are free, and others charge a nominal fee. Another popular option is mall walking. Many malls open their doors early for walkers who can enjoy a safe, temperature-controlled environment with water fountains and accessible restrooms. Mall managers not only serve their communities this way but get a PR boost, and, who knows, maybe some walkers will stay around and shop.

Check Out Court Sports

Court sports like pickleball, basketball, or racquetball enjoy strong popularity. Pickleball, in particular, has seen a significant increase in the number of participants in the past decade. Statista reports that there were 2.5 million U.S. pickleball players in 2014. In 2023, the figure was 13.6 million. This trend has led to a boom in the construction of pickleball courts, so it’s easier than ever to find a place to play and socialize.

Active Chores

You don’t necessarily have to work out to get a workout. You can turn household chores like vacuuming, scrubbing, and organizing closets into stealth exercise sessions if you maintain a brisk pace as you keep your house in tip-top shape. If you are healthy enough, snow shoveling can serve as both a strength and cardio workout. Not sure how much exercise you're getting? Try wearing a fitness tracker, and you’ll document how many calories you’ve burned.

Winter activity doesn’t need to look impressive to be effective. Consistency matters far more than intensity, and movement tucked into everyday life counts just as much as a structured workout. 

Cold weather changes the rules, but it doesn’t end the season. Staying active through winter supports energy, mood, and health long after the snow melts. Find options that fit your space, your schedule, and your preferences, and let movement carry you through until spring shows up again.

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