What cardio do you do during the winter?

Icy_Fox

Hey there! I have been wanting to shake things up when it comes to my cardio (getting a bit bored on the elliptical) and I am interested what you guys do during winter (since exercising outside is a tad more difficult)? Any suggestions / experiences welcome!

Running2Fit

I run on the treadmill. I know lots of people hate the treadmill but I really don't mind it. I either put on a good playlist (for a harder run) or listen to one of my favorite podcasts (lighter runs).

Lolinloggen

Weather permitting I continue to run and cycle
If not I turn to YouTube videos For instance fitnessblender or Popsugar

Coconutsfordaze

Stationary biking tabata style:) there is a great YouTube video to bike along with !
Also kettle bells & HIIT like turbo fire or p90x3

firef1y72

I run, outside as much as I possibly can. Plus I train with a PT outside in all weathers.
Plus go to classes......

AnnPT77

I switch from rowing boats to rowing machines in the Winter, and keep going to spin class. Since rowing machine is usually less volume (just not as fun as boats, and I'm undisciplined that way), I try to throw in some other random things like a brisk walk on warmer (40F+) days, swimming, strength training, etc.

Rowing is great, but it's important to learn how to do it correctly. Most people at the gym don't know how to do it in a way that they'll get a good workout, so they set the damper on 10 (thinking it's resistance), and move up and down the slide really, really fast. Even some trainers teach it badly. If you can find decent instruction, it's a good workout, intense, lots of muscle groups, and fun . . . for a machine. But it's not a boat.

garystrickland357

I just keep on going outside. I spent the $$ to get clothes that keep me warm both running and cycling. I just don’t do rain and cold both at the same time.

DancingMoosie

Videos mostly. I like kickboxing 😀 I go to the gym to lift.

Duck_Puddle

I run outside as much as I possibly can because sunshine and fresh air (especially in the winter) are good for my soul.

If I’m stuck inside, I’ll do some sort of circuit training, or rowing/biking/maybe treadmill for cardio.

But my training is also structured so that the winter is a heavier focus on strength training (and switches for spring-fall when it’s preferable to be outside vs cooped up in a gym).

sardelsa

Same things I usually do in the summer. My Max Trainer workout machine, workout videos, workout apps, walking (just gotta bundle up).

jan110144

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I switch from rowing boats to rowing machines in the Winter, and keep going to spin class. Since rowing machine is usually less volume (just not as fun as boats, and I'm undisciplined that way), I try to throw in some other random things like a brisk walk on warmer (40F+) days, swimming, strength training, etc.

Rowing is great, but it's important to learn how to do it correctly. Most people at the gym don't know how to do it in a way that they'll get a good workout, so they set the damper on 10 (thinking it's resistance), and move up and down the slide really, really fast. Even some trainers teach it badly. If you can find decent instruction, it's a good workout, intense, lots of muscle groups, and fun . . . for a machine. But it's not a boat.

I Love the Rowing machine! It is a great full body exercise for those who ride horses (my primary interest). I have never rowed on water ... that would be fun to try

Djproulx

Indoors, I do both solo and group bike trainer rides and swimming, with occasional treadmill runs & rower work thrown in.

We usually do a weekly outdoor group run in the cold weather and I even ride my bike outdoors when temps and road conditions allow it.

Machka9

In Canada, I rode my bike trainer, took spinning classes, cross-country skied, and snowshoed. And I cycled outside on weekends.

In Australia, I ride my bike trainer, take spinning classes, and run. And I cycle outside on weekends.

Machka9

jan110144 wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I switch from rowing boats to rowing machines in the Winter, and keep going to spin class. Since rowing machine is usually less volume (just not as fun as boats, and I'm undisciplined that way), I try to throw in some other random things like a brisk walk on warmer (40F+) days, swimming, strength training, etc.

Rowing is great, but it's important to learn how to do it correctly. Most people at the gym don't know how to do it in a way that they'll get a good workout, so they set the damper on 10 (thinking it's resistance), and move up and down the slide really, really fast. Even some trainers teach it badly. If you can find decent instruction, it's a good workout, intense, lots of muscle groups, and fun . . . for a machine. But it's not a boat.

I Love the Rowing machine! It is a great full body exercise for those who ride horses (my primary interest). I have never rowed on water ... that would be fun to try

Oh yes, there is that too ... we often go to the gym once or twice a week during winter. Once for spinning classes, and another time to run on the treadmill and row.

sijomial

Mostly in winter I switch from outdoor cycling to indoor cycling.
The indoor stuff is very useful and a chance to do the more technical training as you have full control of the various parameters.

I do find indoor riding a bit of a chore though, it's definitely training for performance not exercising for fun.
When the weather allows I ride outside but as I have Raynaud's I don't tolerate cold very well.

JohnnytotheB

Walk outside. I have yak-traks and dress warm (in WI).

kshama2001

I bundle up and hit the woods behind my house. I like to do trail maintenance. There was less ATV activity out there this year, so there is a lot for me to do.

I've also been making a new trail through the swamp. The ground is higher along stone walls that were probably put there in the 1800s, so I've been clearing along that to give me a new way to access the trails on the other side of the swamp. While I do very much enjoy walking, this goal-oriented activity is even more enjoyable for me. Actually, this gets me so warm I'm not even bundling up yet - I'm comfortable in the mid 30 degrees F with two shirts, a hoodie, jeans, wool socks, and insulated boots. I'm a little cold when I start out but warm right up once I start Hulk-smashing.

I intend to get out there every non-rainy day all winter long and bought a $10 balaclava today to help with temperatures in the teens.

I think I'm going to get some books on tape for when I go back to walking or hiking in the state park again. I have a few walking playlists, and I also just listen to NPR.

I'm looking forward to snow shoeing after the first accumulation of snow. I have old wooden snow shoes that a friend found at a yard sale for $5. I don't get very far very fast, but it is an amazing workout - so easy, and yet so hard.

nk9o

treadmill or walk in the mall. I can program my treadmill for various speed, incline, miles, steps or time.
Usually 30 minutes at the prescribed values established when I went to cardio therapy.

dewd2

Run. There's almost no weather that can make running outside impossible. Out of 260 runs this year 3 were on the dreadmill. #JustDoIt

spiriteagle99

Where I live gets cold in the winter, but doesn't usually get a lot of snow. I walk every day, regardless of weather. I usually run a spring marathon, so I have to keep up my running in the winter. I run outside most of the time, but I have a TM for days when it is really bad. Cross training days are either dvds or stationary bike.

lorrpb

Swimming, elliptical, and this winter adding bike trainer and spin classes.

funjen1972

I continue to run outside, as do many others in my community. I have cold weather gear (most bought at a second hand shop) and lights since there is less daylight. I find I'm less efficient in cold weather, but I really enjoy getting outside and I prefer it to a treadmill. The coldest I've been out this year is 14°F.

I spend bad weather days (windy, sleet, ice, etc...) on cross training with bodyweight exercises.

It certainly is managable if you want it to be.

NorthCascades

Nordic skiing.

pierinifitness

I prefer to exercise outdoors at three local parks. I have a 12” step in my office and a couple kettlebells for days when it’s too cold or raining hard to my liking.

Last indoor cardio workout was 15 rounds of the following: KB snatch R x 5 then KB snatch L x 5 then 25 step-ups using the 12” step. I ued a 20kg KB and I started a new round every 2:00 so the entire workout took slightly less than 30 minutes.

Definitely a bona-fide cardio workout.

bisonpitcher

Treadmill always for me. Even when the weather is nice. I prefer that it keeps me on the pace I wanna go.

rheddmobile

Running outside unless there is glare ice or lightning. However, I end up walking less during the winter since it's too chilly to be pleasant. So I make an effort to get extra movement in by dancing to music, Zumba, or in a pinch stationary bike.

lalalacroix

Hiking/backpacking, snowshoeing, running inside or out.

MostlyWater

Spin classes, elliptical, rowing machines, interval classes.

ridiculous59

Snowshoeing or nordic (cross country) skiing. Cardio machines at the gym are my last resort. For me, time spent outdoors is a thousand times better than time indoors.

7lenny7

I run outside, year 'round, regardless of the weather (though right now I'm using the Octane LateralX and Elliptical until I'm cleared to run outside by my Doc after my recent surgery).

Safari_Gal

Soulcycle mostly for cardio.. 🙌🏻