What can I do in the winter as far as physical activity?

[Anonymous]

I live in OKLAHOMA where it gets cold in the winter. While I'm really good at staying active in the hotter months with walking I can go up 10 miles round trip although I'm a really good swimmer I don't have access to a pool that includes a public pool. I'm 35 so I'm not looking to get a flat stomach etc. just wanting to keep my weight from going up over the winter. Thanks

[Anonymous]

There are numerous physical activities that you can do during the winter season to stay active and maintain your weight. Here are some suggestions:

1. Go hiking or snowshoeing: If you live near hiking trails or parks, try going for a winter hike. You can also rent or buy snowshoes and explore the outdoors while enjoying the winter scenery.

2. Take up indoor activities: Join a gym or fitness center and try out different workouts, such as weightlifting, CrossFit, or yoga. If going to the gym isn't your thing, you can also try some home workout videos or online fitness classes.

3. Try winter sports: Look into winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even sledding which can be both fun and a great workout.

4. Join a fitness class: Many community centers offer fitness classes such as Zumba, dance, or kickboxing. Taking a class with a group of other people can help motivate you to stay active.

5. Walking: Although the weather may be cold, try to continue to walk daily. Invest in boots that will keep your feet warm and comfortable.

Remember that staying active is important for both physical and mental health. Make sure to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

[slatyb]

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. If you have adequate clothing you can still walk unless it's extremely cold, like below 10F. Those days are rare in Oklahoma. Is there no health club near you with a pool?

[Asker]

Not real close I live in a small town.

[slatyb]

I'm somewhat familiar with Oklahoma so I can easily imagine that.

[Oliverlogan263]

Here are some good options for staying active in the winter in Oklahoma:

• Indoor walking - If the weather is too cold for outdoor walking, many malls, community centers, and large stores allow indoor walking. Just bring comfortable shoes and hit the walking path.

• YMCA/gym membership - If you can afford it, a gym membership gives you access to treadmills, ellipticals, exercise classes, and weight training equipment you can use year-round.

• At-home workouts - You can find lots of free workout videos on YouTube to follow along with at home. Even simple moves like squats, lunges, pushups, and sit ups can keep you active.

• Winter hiking - Some parks and nature areas have trails that are still open and accessible in the winter. Dress in layers and waterproof boots to hike when the temperature allows.

• Ice skating - Many rinks in Oklahoma open in the winter months. Ice skating is fun cardio exercise that gets your heart rate up.

• Snowshoeing - If it snows, investing in a pair of snowshoes allows you to get outside and hike on snow-covered trails.

• Cycling - An indoor bike trainer allows you to attach your bicycle to a stationary unit and ride inside during colder months.

• Join a sports league - Activities like basketball, volleyball, kickball, etc. are a fun social way to stay active in the winter months.

• Additional warm-up exercises - Even on your least active days, doing a few minutes of jumping jacks, leg lifts, arm circles, etc. can help elevate your heart rate and burn a few extra calories.

Hope this gives you some good options to explore! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Asker]

Thanks, I might take you up on that later. 🙂 I didn't realize we can only pick 2 mho until it was too late cause your is one the most helpful.

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re welcome and thank you… yes you can only pick 2 answers as mho on a question

[WindAtMyBack]

It's not so cold in Ok that you can't walk. It will burn more calories. If you don't have an indoor pool available, you can't swim, but you could jog and maybe bicycle. Just bite the bullet and deal with the cold.

I live where it gets well below zero in winter. I sometimes go walking even when it's -20. Yea, it's hard to get motivated when it's cold, but motivation is in your head. You just have to do it. MAKE yourself do it.

If your goal is to keep your weight down, I'll repeat that you burn a lot more calories in the winter, so you won't have to walk as far. Just don't overcompensate by eating lots of carbs in the winter, which will be your natural inclination.

There are also body weight exercises. I also like those mini trampolines. Get on the thing and bounce 100-200 times, then repeat a while later. Or skip rope instead. There is a reason why professional boxers skip rope. It's cheap, takes no room to store the rope, and is great exercise.

[Mpodere]

I had the same problem, unluckily I tend to gain weight during the winter. The past year I bought a cyclette and I started to train at home. My stomach is not flat but I did not gain weight. Write to me if you want to share suggesting about home training ;)

[Asker]

ok thanks

[pascal_climbs]

I go running in the winter. Its lovely running in freezing weather. You get warm after 1-2 km and the feeling when you get back in the warm house is exciting. Even running in snow is fun.

[abc3643]

LOL... I doesn't get very cold in Oklahoma in winter.
You want winter cold? Go north to North Dakota in winter. THAT'S cold.

[Asker]

@abc3643 I get their colder places to live 🙃 I spent most of my life in AZ so while OK spring/ summer is nice winter not so much.

[spartan55]

No indoor gyms in Oklahoma?

[Asker]

Not in the small town I live in.

[spartan55]

I just checked the average year round temperatures and the average yearly low was 30°F? I guess it's what you are accustomed to, but most would'nt consider that very cold. You could still go to for walks or hikes outdoors. Just dress appropriately.

[Asker]

🙂 I guess I still have that AZ girl in me.

[spartan55]

Lol, ya pretty everywhere would be cold to you as an AZ native. I grew up in northern Illinois, and then moved south (NC, TX) 27 years ago and never looked back.