Going to a health club or gym may not be your first choice to stay active as the #omicron variant is pushed #COVID-19 infections to record levels. Walking, running and cycling can be good, socially distanced wintertime alternatives, the Cleveland Clinic says, as long as you dress for the #weather. Invest in a good pair of shoes — waterproof, if necessary — and remember to incorporate stretching exercises into your workout since muscles constrict in the cold. Traditional cold-weather activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country and downhill skiing, are great options, too; vary your routine and you won’t get bored. #StayActive
Tag: winter
Trick Yourself Into Getting Active
It’s difficult to start an outdoor exercise plan in the new year, exercise psychologist Jack Raglin told Today; the weather and lack of daylight often provide good excuses to stay sedentary. “People have been overindulging, they feel guilty, they feel like they have to do it, and they’re starting at a time when the environment is kind of conspiring against them,” he says. Luckily, there are ways to trick yourself into getting active: Get an exercise partner, even if you exercise on Zoom sessions; make your first goal just to get to the gym; or put your exercise clothes on before bed for the early-morning workout. #StayActive
Getting Active as the Temperatures Drop
The dead of winter has arrived in many parts of the country, with frigid temperatures and ample amounts of snow. While it’s tempting just to curl up under the covers in an effort to stay warm, it’s more heart-healthy to keep up your exercise regimen throughout the year. Find an activity that’s fun to do outside and dress in layers, Heart & Stroke says. Take advantage of the daylight hours to keep seasonal affective disorder at bay. And remember to stay hydrated even when you aren’t actively sweating or thirsty — cold air is often dryer than you think. #StayActive
Keep the Warm Air Inside Your Home
One of the best DIY projects to undertake as the weather cools is to seal any leaks in your home and add insulation to prevent heat — and the money it costs — from escaping. Depending on the home, sealing leaks can reduce energy costs by about 25%, Homelight says. Consider a home energy audit to examine your energy use room-by-room; many utility companies will perform one free of charge. Then, caulk cracks, add insulation and install weatherstripping to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside for entire winter season. #CoolWeatherTips
Start Storing Those Seasonal Items
Make some of your #spring #cleaning chores seasonal, The Spruce says, in order to get ready for warmer weather. Clean the grill, patio and garden furniture as soon as daytime temperatures warm up; also wash the windows to take advantage of sunnier days. You can also start sorting your heaviest sweaters, coats, flannel sheets and woolen blankets into #storage bins for next winter; you won’t need them in just a few weeks. If you find anything you just don’t want, donate it to ClothingDonations.org.