You don’t have to go all-out to stay #acitve in the #winter; consistent movement is the goal. A long walk can be enough to clear the mind and get the blood pumping, and it’s easy to do, provided you’re dressed for the #weather. If winter is preventing an outdoor workout with ice, snow and sleet, take it inside. Apps can help you get more steps around the house or stretch constricted muscles. “Staying active doesn’t stop just because it’s cold,” Outside says. “Sometimes it just gets quieter, a little less polished and far more forgiving. And honestly, that might be winter’s greatest gift.” #StayingActive
Tag: winter clothes
Stretch Before Your Cold-Weather Workout
“Cold muscles are at a greater risk for strains and injuries, so make sure to warm up before your cold-weather workout,” says Harvard Health. To prevent injury, engage in dynamic stretching that loosens joints, gets the blood flowing and warms up muscles. Start with a series of arm circles and arm swings, and move on to sets of high steps and lunges. Even if that’s all you want to accomplish, the benefits to health and mobility can be substantial, but continuing on to complete a more intense #winter workout can convert white belly and thigh fat into calorie-burning brown fat. #StayingActive
How to Exercise in Severe Cold
Take it from winter athletes and military personnel serving in cold-weather locations, says the New York Times: You can stay active in the dead of #winter. Remember that your muscles will be slower to loosen and flex, however, so “adjust your pace and expectations accordingly.” Cover your mouth to prevent dryness and irritation to the airways, and wear a head covering to control the No. 1 source of heat loss. If you plan a vigorous workout, dress for the full extent of exertion; the clothes you wear to stay warm while standing still will be too heavy for a body experiencing a full range pf motion. #StayingActive
Stay Active Outdoors Even in the Cold
When the worst of #winter sets in, you may feel like pulling up the blankets and sleeping late. But “there’s no reason to take a break from physical activity when the temperature drops,” the American Heart Association says. The winter chill actually might feel invigorating, and you may be able to exercise longer in the cold weather. Plus, outdoor activity can help get some sun and vitamin D, which can offset seasonal gloom while boosting natural immunity. Whether you choose to walk, run, snowshoe or ski, staying warm and dry outdoors is the key; use multiple layers to maintain body heat and comfort even in cold and ice. #StayingActive
Are You Really Going to Wear That Again?
As the seasons shift, you probably turned first to a few core #clothing staples to deal with the cooler temperatures: long sleeves, hoodies, jackets and other transitional garments. Big stacks of cold-weather #garments lie in wait, however, for even harsher weather ahead.
The challenge at this point of the year is to decide which garments are going to be useful in the months ahead and have them ready to wear to holiday parties, treks in the snow and any other occasions #winter might present.
You can put away the shorts and swimwear — for now. But as you make the seasonal transition and take inventory of your clothing, there’s a critical question to ask yourself: Are you really going to wear that again?
Some of the #summer clothing you were planning on storing may be too worn to wear again in 2026. A few garments might have been kicking around your closets and drawers, never really fitting into your scheme — or perhaps not fitting your physique in a flattering way.
Similarly, many of the #fall and #winter garments coming out of storage may no longer suit you. Some may have shrunk (flannels are notorious for this); others might have holes and stains; still others will fail to fit your current style or lifestyle.
Make an honest assessment of what hasn’t made the cut so far this year and what you can and will wear in the months ahead. If you’re on the fence with certain garments, try them on; you will probably find that something is just “a little bit off” fit- or style-wise on more than a few.
That “little bit off” represents the difference between you feeling confident at home, work and play and uncertain or self-conscious. And any garment that doesn’t support positive feelings doesn’t deserve to return to your shelves or into #storage for next summer.
Use drawers, shelves and #closets only for items you know you’ll wear again. Collect and #donate lightly used items that fail the “Are you really going to wear that again?” test to ClothingDonations.org, and trash the ones that are too worn to be of any use other than rags.
You’ll reclaim your personal style, look great and be ready for whatever winter throws at you!