Here's one reason why it may have been best to avoid a "weight loss resolution" this new year. It's because, sometimes, it's hard to stay active in the winter. Even if you join a gym, the act of getting there can be treacherous. Or your motivation may just be zapped by the cold weather.
Since winter lasts until April (truly), you should try hard to figure out a good way to stay active regardless of whether or not sleet or snow is coming down. The good news is that you don't have to spend a bunch of money on a home gym. These days, you can still get a great workout at home for a lot less. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to get moving and achieve your health goals.
A lot of people focus on what they eat when they want to build healthy habits — and that's very important. But moving is vital if you want to stay healthy and keep your muscles engaged. A study done by the University of Missouri analyzed the true risk of a sedentary lifestyle, and the results aren't pretty. The people who were mostly immobile during the study had a “significantly lower” blood flow, even after staying still for just three hours.
Does playing with an active toddler help? Definitely. Kids will get you moving. But here are seven other things you can do to stay active regardless of what the weather looks like outside.
Find a great YouTube channel you like.
YouTube is a great way to learn new things. From how to put on makeup to how to assemble particular gadgets and toys, the site has everything. It's also a great way to ease into a new exercise routine. One of the biggest names in fitness on YouTube is Adriene. She teaches yoga and is often the first trainer whom people seek out online to get into the habit. Not only is she friendly, but she's very thorough about her particular 30-day yoga challenge, which is wonderful for beginners.
Try out an app that'll get you moving.
One of my personal favorites is SworkIt, which I discovered thanks to Shark Tank. The one bummer is that a year or so after the app launched, it started a subscription plan. But the truth is, the program is great for those who want to do guided exercises for a time limit of their choosing. The app also congratulates you on finishing the workout, which plenty of standard treadmills and ellipticals at the gym fail to do.
Throw a dance party with your kids.
This is a fun way to get everyone in the house active. Make a playlist, set up a room, and have fun. Just remember, there's no right or wrong way to dance. Encourage your kids to bust out their best moves, and remind them (and yourself) that exercise doesn't always have to be a drag. This is also a solid way to end the workweek, in case you needed a fun and cheap way to de-stress.
Bust out your Nintendo Wii.
Remember when Nintendo Wii came out, and people everywhere felt like they'd found a fun way to get in shape? A Wii can't be your entire exercise plan, but you can definitely get moving with it. If you've got a Nintendo Switch, that's another great system that'll help you stay active. There are plenty of other interactive games out there that'll get you moving. As a bonus, you can have your kids join in.
Chase your dog around the house.
I'd say "kids," but there's a higher chance someone might get hurt. Dogs, on the other hand, live to run. Plus, there's a good chance your pup is also a little upset about the weather outside. Eventually, you may need to go out there and brave it — just for him. But take the time to try to create an obstacle course for him, or just run with him in a room with the most empty space.
Break out Twister.
Twister may be awkward if you're playing with a group of friends in your 20s, but if you have kids, it's a ton of fun. It's also a great way to test your body strength and flexibility. As far as classic games are concerned, this is one of the few that'll give you a great workout. Plus, it'll create a lot of funny memories as well.
Climb the stairs as many times as you can.
If you live in a house with more than one level, use it to your advantage. The architectural design of your house pretty much lends itself to exercise. Make sure to wear shoes with grip to prevent slipping and falling. Have a set goal in mind, and then try to reach it. Tomorrow, see if you can beat that goal — even if the weather clears up by then.
