Overcoming Obstacles – Exercising in Winter

Written by Tony Gagliardi, a Mayo School of Health Sciences dietetic intern

Exercising in the winter can be a real challenge. The cold weather and shorter days can make it difficult to find the motivation to get outside and get moving. However, it is important to keep up with your exercise routine to maintain your physical and mental health. Here are a few tips for overcoming the obstacles of exercising in the winter:

1. Stay social: Find a workout buddy. Having a friend to exercise with can provide accountability and motivation to stay on track.
2. Invest in warm gear: Proper clothing is crucial for staying warm and comfortable while exercising in the cold. Invest in thermal leggings, a good pair of gloves, and a warm coat to make your outdoor workouts more bearable.
3. Take your workouts indoors. If the weather is just too cold or icy to safely exercise outside, try finding indoor workouts such as yoga, spin class, or lifting weights at the gym.
4. Make it fun. Find ways to make your workouts enjoyable, whether it be trying a new outdoor activity like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or finding an indoor workout you enjoy such as dance class or rock climbing.
5. Utilize technology: use online workout classes or virtual fitness challenges to keep your workouts interesting.

Don't let the winter weather hold you back from staying active and healthy. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can overcome the obstacles and maintain your exercise routine throughout the colder months.

Related posts:

The Link Between Strength Training and Weight Loss

Moving More and Sitting Less

Maximizing Workouts without a Gym