Outdoor Exercise in Winter

jrose1982
jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just read a rather disappointing article titled "25 Ways to Move More with Less Daylight". It was disappointing because, while the content was good, it had nothing to do with having less daylight.

So I thought I'd ask the community:
How do you get outdoor exercise in the winter? With colder temperatures, icy surfaces, and less daylight it all gets a bit more challenging logistically. But for some of us, being outside is still preferable to going to a gym. What are your tips?

Replies

  • LoneWolfRunner
    LoneWolfRunner Posts: 1,160 Member
    I run outside pretty much all winter.... unless it get really icy.
  • jrose1982
    jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
    I guess one thing I can contribute is to take stock of which parks/trails/streets are well lit. I just had to cut my walk short because the park felt a little scary.

    I try to take my walks during daylight, but I got too busy today and had to do it after work.
  • jrose1982
    jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
    I run outside pretty much all winter.... unless it get really icy.

    Ice ruins all doesn't it? Right now our streets are just a little frosty. So I feel like I'm going to slip, but it's not icy enough to wear studs. I need to get my trekking pole out though. That helps in all weather.
  • SkinnyCat39
    SkinnyCat39 Posts: 122 Member
    When I was young I played basketball outside a lot whether it was with friends or by myself. Yesterday I looked for the 'free' outside courts in my area and found a couple. Decent amount of calories can be burned just playing on the court. Starting this weekend. :-)
  • jrose1982
    jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
    When I was young I played basketball outside a lot whether it was with friends or by myself. Yesterday I looked for the 'free' outside courts in my area and found a couple. Decent amount of calories can be burned just playing on the court. Starting this weekend. :-)

    That sounds like fun. Enjoy :smile:

  • BruceHedtke
    BruceHedtke Posts: 358 Member
    Snowshoeing is good exercise. Just walking through snow can be a workout in itself. I'm not sure if I'm going to do any outside running this winter but if I do, I'll be wearing Yak-Trax.
  • jrose1982
    jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
    Snowshoeing is good exercise. Just walking through snow can be a workout in itself. I'm not sure if I'm going to do any outside running this winter but if I do, I'll be wearing Yak-Trax.

    I had something similar to Yak-Trax. They kept falling off my shoes, though.
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  • SomeNights246
    SomeNights246 Posts: 807 Member
    I guess I'm lucky, as I live in the south and just walk in the winter. I wear a ton of clothes and move as quickly as possible. But I walk.

    When we vacationed in Michigan (yes, in the winter, because yes, we're insane)... just walking in snow was a workout. But those icy days ruined our walking.
  • weatheredcheese
    weatheredcheese Posts: 112 Member
    Just getting out an go!
    Been running and cycling, as long as you have the protective gear and hi-vis and lights you all good to go.
    As for Icy weather, just take it a bit slower.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    jrose1982 wrote: »
    What are your tips?

    Dress for the weather. High viz and some form of personal lighting.

  • snowflake930
    snowflake930 Posts: 2,188 Member
    I walk all winter (I'm in Minnesota) on weekends. Monday-Friday, I work out in the gym at work. My husband keeps the trails in our woods groomed with our four wheeler. When the snow gets too deep for the four wheeler, I walk on the township road. Bundle up and wear Sorel boots, I keep pretty warm.
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