Winter has arrived, bringing with it snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that make staying under a warm blanket tempting. But for some, the season also unlocks unique opportunities for activity that aren’t available during the rest of the year. Whether you love or loathe the cold, winter is here to stay.
For those who enjoy being active but aren’t fans of the chill, staying in motion during winter can be a challenge. If snow isn’t your thing but you still want to keep moving, consider embracing winter sports, exploring outdoor hobbies, adapting summer activities, or finding ways to stay active indoors.
Start by thinking about what you love doing in the summer. If hiking, canoeing, or swimming are your go-tos, try winter alternatives like snowshoeing, skiing, or ice skating. These activities not only keep you fit but also help break the winter monotony and make the cold more enjoyable.
Instead of cranking up the heat and going into hibernation mode, try a new sport that keeps you engaged with the outdoors and your body moving. While some winter activities are intense, others offer gentle ways to stay active. Making snow angels, building snowmen, sledding, or even metal detecting in the snow can get you outside and moving without requiring a full workout.
Other low-impact outdoor hobbies like ice fishing, bird watching, or photography also encourage time spent outside. While they may not replace a daily hike, they offer a way to stay engaged with nature and avoid a sedentary routine.
You don’t have to give up your favorite summer sports just because it’s cold. Many can be modified for winter—think winter camping, jogging in thermal gear, biking with snow tires, or climbing in sheltered areas. Even surfing is possible with the right wetsuit.
Outdoor exercise doesn’t have to end with the season. Snowshoeing to a campsite, jogging in layers, or adjusting your biking route can help you keep your summer routine alive in a winter setting.
Of course, for some, braving the cold just isn’t an option. If staying indoors is your only choice, there are still plenty of ways to stay active. Join a gym, invest in home workout equipment, try a fitness video game, or focus on simple at-home exercises. While outdoor fun is great, it’s not always practical for daily workouts.
Instead of bundling up for a snowshoe trek, you might prefer a living room routine of crunches, pushups, lunges, or yoga. The goal is to keep moving, even when it’s tempting to stay still.
Staying active during winter can be tough, especially for those who prefer fun activities over structured workouts. But with options like winter sports, outdoor hobbies, modified summer activities, and indoor routines, it’s entirely possible to keep moving through the cold months. The key is to do something—anything—rather than spending the season glued to the couch.
