What's your action plan for the Winter months?

135

Replies

  • ManiacalLaugh
    ManiacalLaugh Posts: 1,048 Member
    Anything colder than 45 degrees and I can't do my workout outside (asthma), so I'm struggling to think of solutions this year as well. The place where I work has a tiny gym, but it's dirty and has those energy-sucking, sterile lights. It's also packed for the few weeks after New Years when all the resolution-ers get their motivation back.

    I might just have to put up with it and/or try to keep my diet more in check than I did during the winter last year.

    On the plus side, El Nino is supposed to bring warmer temps to my region, so there's a little hope for some 50-degree or higher winter days.
  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    Good point about remembering to take vitamin D (I never do, but maybe this winter). I am affected by the lack of sunshine too. A friend bought a SAD lamp that we tried out together, but we both found the bright light to be surprisingly irritating. Perhaps just make an effort to get outside at lunch time. I like the comment about dressing warmly so I don't want to eat to combat the cold. As to exercise, I have everything I need in the basement, but will probably go to the gym still when possible.

    Winters became much more bearable when we cleared enough space in the garage to keep the cars in there.
  • SweetPeasMom55
    SweetPeasMom55 Posts: 3,510 Member
    I already bought warmer clothes and i plan to do the shoveling as extra exercise. If I can't get out to walk I'll do the DVD's. I have a winter timeline set up to keep my weight in check.
  • ald783
    ald783 Posts: 688 Member
    It seems like every season has a mix of upsides and downsides with respect to eating and exercise. Now that fall is coming up it makes for better outdoor running weather but it gets dark earlier, and then there's football which makes for eating and drinking, and it goes on and on. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, etc.

    In the end I don't really think any season is per se easier or harder than any other. But you will adapt as you get used to it and find that you can use certain things to your advantage. Like after the holidays, I don't tend to have as much stuff going on in January and February so fewer challenges and a good time to lose the usual 2-3 pounds I will happily gain at Christmas. :)
  • modestguineapig
    modestguineapig Posts: 23 Member
    I want to learn cross-country skiing. I live in Michigan, and it can be snowy/cold from Thanksgiving to Easter. Food-wise, keep doing what I am doing- plan ahead and log. For Thanksgiving I might eat up to my maintenance calories.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Summer is the best for me because I can swim in the pond. (I hate chlorine, saline-cleaned pools are barely ok, and I don't know of any around here anyway.)

    Spring is great because I am a gardening fool.

    Fall is good because I get back to walking in the woods.

    All the gyms around here have their drawbacks but I will pick one and get a membership for the winter.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    Summer is the best for me because I can swim in the pond. (I hate chlorine, saline-cleaned pools are barely ok, and I don't know of any around here anyway.)

    Spring is great because I am a gardening fool.

    Fall is good because I get back to walking in the woods.

    All the gyms around here have their drawbacks but I will pick one and get a membership for the winter.

    IMO, unless you need a particular piece of equipment or class, it doesn't matter, as long as it's close. This gym of mine, 5 min walk - I've gone through blizzards. Another gym, 15 min drive away from where I lived at the time, just - it was just hard to make myself go, I just worked out at home. Although, I wasn't taking Vit D then.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    I live in CA. Winter doesn't change that much here except for temperature and that only requires a couple of layers of clothes.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png
  • abetterluke
    abetterluke Posts: 625 Member
    Shorter and colder days which means many activities are restricted to an inside space

    This is my plan right here -- not having to stay inside if I can help it. It's one thing if it's snowing outside but we don't get too much snow so if it's just rainy and cold I'm going to do what I can to bundle up and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking especially.
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    edited September 2015
    tomatoey wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    My plan is to bulk during over the winter because holidays and I don't like being out in cold weather.

    What does "cold" mean to a Texan?

    Yeah I really can't take that seriously at all.

    Texas winters aren't nearly as mild as they used to be. Last winter was really cold with plenty of freezing temperature days.

    It was probably cold compared to what you're used to. But according to this,
    "Texas and Oklahoma averaged between 2 to 4 degrees F (1.11 to 2.22 degrees C) below normal" in January 2014.

    All I'm going to say is

    dirty_snow.jpg
    Pretty, right



    200387147-001-new-york-city-people-standing-at-bus-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=qC44tbli%2B9ZoSy0xlxlWCVktaN53%2FCtnPrkgtOCOt%2B4nXu6ocKaP4K2thGNCHdyUdG9oK6GSb0psMqnrk6tZgg%3D%3D
    Those people are COLD

    snow-storm-toronto.jpg?w=652&h=489

    winter-storm-blizzard-verticle-car.jpg

    http://globalnews.ca/news/1039255/homeless-man-found-frozen/
    http://www.wfaa.com/story/weather/2014/08/19/14138106/

    Those who don't think it gets cold in Texas don't know much about the Panhandle in January. It gets below zero (F) there and into the single digits here. As cold as Canada? No. Too damned cold to be outside running? Yes.

    ETA: Texas goes almost far enough north to reach Nebraska. Maybe less meteorology from cowboy movies and more from reality.
  • sashayoung72
    sashayoung72 Posts: 441 Member
    Oh wow, great thread! but now i'm kinda panicky! I just don't know, but I have to stay away from the happy HalloThaksmas food barrage of candy and snacks!
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    Try to work more gym time into my schedule, realize that it's futile, so add in some home workouts instead. Hope for lots of snow to shovel, but probably end up burning calories shaking my fist at Mother Nature for making it too cold and slippery to run outside but not giving me enough snow to shovel to make up the calorie burn.
  • fobs13
    fobs13 Posts: 1,080 Member
    I live in Ireland so we may get wetter and colder weather in winter but no extremes. Still run and days I can't I do the elliptical or hula hoop at home or hand weights. I'm maintaining for past 3 months.
  • lindaloo1213
    lindaloo1213 Posts: 283 Member
    My youngest goes to preschool at my gym so I have no excuse.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    My plan is to bulk during over the winter because holidays and I don't like being out in cold weather.

    What does "cold" mean to a Texan?

    Well, we do get snow in my part of the state. shrug2.gif

  • RMCottonRPh
    RMCottonRPh Posts: 41 Member
    I decided to start working out with a trainer this fall. And I want to try a few of the Beachbody workouts. I also have a treadmill with built in TV, so I want to do more walking while watching during the colder months....less sitting on the couch. As far as food, I want to make a lot of healthy soups and chilis in my crockpot!
  • choppie70
    choppie70 Posts: 544 Member
    I live in Maine and I feel I am am a bit more active in winter. I live on a lake so I spend a lot of time on the boat or sitting on the dock when it is warm. I do swim a bit. In winter there are a lot of things to do: ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding (walking back up the hill in winter gear is brutal!)
  • lindaloo1213
    lindaloo1213 Posts: 283 Member
    choppie70 wrote: »
    sledding (walking back up the hill in winter gear is brutal!)
    Yes...oh lord yes it is. Feel that burn!
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited September 2015
    ald783 wrote: »
    It seems like every season has a mix of upsides and downsides with respect to eating and exercise. Now that fall is coming up it makes for better outdoor running weather but it gets dark earlier, and then there's football which makes for eating and drinking, and it goes on and on. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, etc.

    In the end I don't really think any season is per se easier or harder than any other. But you will adapt as you get used to it and find that you can use certain things to your advantage. Like after the holidays, I don't tend to have as much stuff going on in January and February so fewer challenges and a good time to lose the usual 2-3 pounds I will happily gain at Christmas. :)

    Agreed, endless smog, forest fires, risk of heatstroke can't be fun either. Spring's ok, except it's muddy and mucky + floods, in some places. Autumn, haven't really thought about it risk-wise. It's just proof winter's on its way.
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    Never mind the season. Log your food and exercise! Walk, run, exercise to a DVD or someone on youtube. Hot or cold outside doesn't matter. As to food, everything can be modified. No stuffing for Thanksgiving...have some next year, maybe. Sub turkey for beef. Forgo the cake. I started my journey in late October last year and survived the holidays no problem. If I can do it, anyone can
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited September 2015
    hi135 wrote: »
    I've heard from a lot of people in my circle talking about how they fell off the diet and exercise wagon over the summer due to vacations, BBQ's, parties, beach days and general summer-time laziness. From my perspective it's much easier to maintain and/or reach new goals in the summer... lean grilled meats, an abundance of fresh summer fruits and veggies, more outdoor activities, longer/warmer days. For me, heading into the Winter is a challenge. Shorter and colder days which means many activities are restricted to an inside space, it gets darker earlier which makes me feel like hibernating! lol! And of course the warm comfort foods and holidays.

    Which season is easier/harder for you and why?

    If you feel the Winter-time blues and struggle through the colder months, do you have a strategic plan for staying on the wagon? If so, what's your plan?

    Summer is harder
    tomatoey wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    tomatoey wrote: »
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    My plan is to bulk during over the winter because holidays and I don't like being out in cold weather.

    What does "cold" mean to a Texan?

    Yeah I really can't take that seriously at all.

    Texas winters aren't nearly as mild as they used to be. Last winter was really cold with plenty of freezing temperature days.

    It was probably cold compared to what you're used to. But according to this,
    "Texas and Oklahoma averaged between 2 to 4 degrees F (1.11 to 2.22 degrees C) below normal" in January 2014.

    All I'm going to say is

    dirty_snow.jpg
    Pretty, right



    200387147-001-new-york-city-people-standing-at-bus-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=qC44tbli%2B9ZoSy0xlxlWCVktaN53%2FCtnPrkgtOCOt%2B4nXu6ocKaP4K2thGNCHdyUdG9oK6GSb0psMqnrk6tZgg%3D%3D
    Those people are COLD

    snow-storm-toronto.jpg?w=652&h=489

    winter-storm-blizzard-verticle-car.jpg

    http://globalnews.ca/news/1039255/homeless-man-found-frozen/

    That's exactly how my winters look like. Lol it's so ugly...But to be honest I'm getting sick of summer, I'm over it. I need that cold fresh air now.

    Yeah, I remember that. In a few years, you are probably going to disagree with your past self and join the hate winter train, which I am crossing my fingers will one day take me to California. Or any of these places - http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/top-10-us-states-with-best-weather.php . (ahem, it seems Texas is third on this list)

    Tbh, I'm actually not too bad with the cold itself, if it's at least sunny and dry. It's the darkness that makes you want to die. Some places in the middle of the country are tolerable imo, if you dress for the weather.

    (Snow does make getting around a massive pain, though. Ice under snow under ice, it's dangerous for drivers, older people, everyone. And the smell of subways at rush hour in February is something else, when the ~100 people crammed into the same car have been walking around in the same coats all winter. Most of them don't dry clean or wash them, either, they just wear the crap out of the same wool and feathers and polyfill day after day, collecting months of wetness and street grime (and sweat, when the heat's turned on too high). Yeah actually it's just gross and horrible.)
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Summer is the bad season here. When the weather doesn't allow for outdoor activity, I do it inside.

    There are some winter days that I skip the pool. The water is warm, but getting out, soaking wet, when it is 30 or 40 degrees...yikes! No, thank you.

    I'm really looking forward to winter. I cannot wait for the rain to stop and the humidity to let up!
  • Strawblackcat
    Strawblackcat Posts: 944 Member
    Our treadmill is in the basement, so it gets really cold down there during winter. Plus, the basement is somewhat depressing, so that's discouraging. I just suck it up and go exercise anyway. The plus side to cold weather for me, though, is that while I don't like moving whole i'm cold, I don't want to eat whenever I'm cold either. It just makes me want to curl up in a blanket and sleep. At least I wouldn't be taking in more calories than I burned.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Kalikel wrote: »
    Summer is the bad season here. When the weather doesn't allow for outdoor activity, I do it inside.

    There are some winter days that I skip the pool. The water is warm, but getting out, soaking wet, when it is 30 or 40 degrees...yikes! No, thank you.

    I'm really looking forward to winter. I cannot wait for the rain to stop and the humidity to let up!

    In some thread you said you didn't walk if it was below 50 or some such.

    As a Chicagoan it annoyed me as I walk just because I have to, even when it's below 0. Probably not fair.

    (Our pools are of course mostly indoors.)
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    I'll be running outside all winter just like last year. We rarely have snow or ice on the ground here in Vancouver BC... just lots and lots of rain.

    I'll probably hit my monthly mileage high during the winter.
  • Angiefit4life
    Angiefit4life Posts: 210 Member
    I had to add this for Texas. We've been stationed in Alaska, California, Texas and now Virginia but we're from Tampa Florida. So yes Texas gets cold not like Alaska but I hate snow! la65pahdnbcw.jpg
    qnassbl1dnye.jpg
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    Best thing I did last winter was buying a good quality raincoat and having a reliable compact umbrella.

    That let me do my walks every day no matter the weather.
  • summer is much more challengeing for sure but bbq's beachs vacations parties ect is not my problem at all.. it's the heat.. for some reason the hotter the weather gets the more i eat and it's always at home_.. also exercise is sometimes difficult because of the heat.. I can drink gallons of water .. it gives me no justice..... in the winter..Going with the same plan i have now.. lose a little bit more weight and exercise more.. it's so much more easier in the winter for me...to stick with my goals and make even more goals
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I took up running last Fall (c25k) and was like, "Imma get some Under Armor and push through and it's gonna be great!" Then November dawned with 15F temps, and I was like, "NEWP." So I went back to exercising inside, at my local gym. So my plans don't really change over the winter.
  • suziecue20
    suziecue20 Posts: 567 Member
    Cold weather has to be good for weight loss - shivering must burn loads of calories B)
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