Michigan Winter

bethany_jurries

Hey everyone I am from Michigan and I was wondering what people do for exercise when it gets too cold to breath outside. It is getting colder and predictions of snow in 3-4 weeks does not make me happy. I have been working out all summer and going to the gym but there are days when people cannot even get out of the house! I want to know what are some good things to do at home. And who all from colder states has this same issue. Thank!

lotusfromthemud

Workout DVDs! I recommend getting some from the library and trying them out. If you find some you really like, then buy a few. I have a gym membership, but find I rely on my video collection more during the winter.

The hardest part for me about winter isn't the cold. .. it's the lack of sunlight. Very hard to motivate when there's not sunshine to recharge my batteries with.

nehtaeh

I don't have a gym membership and don't really like exercising outside. But, I am in MI so it works out.

I have an elliptical that I've been trying to use daily. I also have the 30 day shred dvd. I am going to buy Jillian Michael's other dvd's tomorrow - no more trouble zones and banish fat boost metabolism. I also plan to get a walking dvd or two. That's my plan, but its my plan for the whole year, not just the winter.

bethany_jurries

Thanks! I have a Wii Fit as anyone used that and seen results?

carrieberrie

I live in Mi and I still walk in the winter. Your body is trying to stay warm so in turn you will burn more calories! Plus it is so nice walking when all the christmas light are on, I take my iPod and listen to christmas songs, puts you in a good mood!

nehtaeh

I Christmas. I will just bundle up my girls and take them for a walk through Bronner's and Frankenmuth.

I don't have a wii fit, but plan to get one. I am no help on that one, but I hear its a good workout.

carrieberrie

I Christmas. I will just bundle up my girls and take them for a walk through Bronner's and Frankenmuth.

I don't have a wii fit, but plan to get one. I am no help on that one, but I hear its a good workout.

I will be going to Frankenmuth on Oct 10th!
I also will be having my wedding reception there in May 2010!

azwildcatfan94

I have the opposite problem. I'm still waiting for it to cool off enough to workout outside. I have workout DVD's an exercise ball, hand weights, and one of those stretchy tube things. You can also try one of those 200 (squats, sit ups, or push ups) programs. Pick one or two things at a time and build up your home workout supplies through out the year.

For cardio, the DVD's are great. I have the biggest loser boot camp and it gets me sweating! I also want to pick up the 30 day shred and maybe something else, just because I don't feel like doing the same DVD every day. Also go for a yoga DVD. It is a great change of pace! I got the BL yoga for weight loss and only watched it... I decided it was too hard for right now in my life, so then I got Yoga for the Rest of Us and figured I'd build myself up to the BL one.

bethany_jurries

Libraries actually have Workout DVD's to check out?

carrieberrie

I have the opposite problem. I'm still waiting for it to cool off enough to workout outside. I have workout DVD's an exercise ball, hand weights, and one of those stretchy tube things. You can also try one of those 200 (squats, sit ups, or push ups) programs. Pick one or two things at a time and build up your home workout supplies through out the year.

For cardio, the DVD's are great. I have the biggest loser boot camp and it gets me sweating! I also want to pick up the 30 day shred and maybe something else, just because I don't feel like doing the same DVD every day. Also go for a yoga DVD. It is a great change of pace! I got the BL yoga for weight loss and only watched it... I decided it was too hard for right now in my life, so then I got Yoga for the Rest of Us and figured I'd build myself up to the BL one.

What kind of dog is that in your picture?? Looks exactley like my dog!

dairygirl23

Try out some winter sports! My favorites are skate-style cross country skiing (very intense workout!) and snowshoeing. Rent equipment from your sports/outdoor store (we like REI's rental shop) and if you like it, buy used equipment on craigslist or at a used sports equipment store (e.g., play it again sports). There are plenty of instructional videos on youtube to help you with the techniques.
Don't let the cost of rental/purchase of equipment be a roadblock...especially if you would consider buying DVDs or even a Wii fit.
Also, walking is great. It's amazing how peaceful it is in the winter (not as many people outside). If your street isn't lit or doesn't have sidewalks, consider buying a headlamp or carrying a small flashlight.

lotusfromthemud

Libraries actually have Workout DVD's to check out?

Bigger ones do. I burned through the "sports and fitness section" at my local branch when I was first starting out. This is easier if you have a VCR (antique ) lying around, as they'll have a lot of fitness on videotape. I didn't, so I bought one for ten dollars at a pawn shop. I did old school Jane Fonda ones, dance instruction ones, and finally started netflixing them when I got tired of those.

I narrowed it down, and now own about ten. You can get good fitness DVDs for about ten bucks a pop on Amazon. PM me if you want some recommendations.:flowerforyou:

Nich0le

I'm in AZ and have the opposite problem as you, we have to figure out how to stay cool in the summer, and even fall, with temps still hitting over 100 :noway: In a few weeks I will be singing the praises of living here

Anyway, if you have cable and you have on demand services there are workouts in the fitness section of your free zone. I also have a treadmill, weights, exercise ball, yoga mat etc etc so when it's too much to even go outside and get in the car I can stay in the air conditioned comfort of home and get a good workout in! Videos can be great, but if you buy get a variety because they can get boring after a little while so you want to be able to rotate workouts. Target has a pretty good selection of videos, used book stores and even the library. I know that most libraries allow you to extend your check out date online so if you get snowed in you don't have to worry about late fees!

Good luck, keep your chin up and your attitude determined and you will get through winter and be even stronger when spring pops up!:drinker:

azwildcatfan94

I have the opposite problem. I'm still waiting for it to cool off enough to workout outside. I have workout DVD's an exercise ball, hand weights, and one of those stretchy tube things. You can also try one of those 200 (squats, sit ups, or push ups) programs. Pick one or two things at a time and build up your home workout supplies through out the year.

For cardio, the DVD's are great. I have the biggest loser boot camp and it gets me sweating! I also want to pick up the 30 day shred and maybe something else, just because I don't feel like doing the same DVD every day. Also go for a yoga DVD. It is a great change of pace! I got the BL yoga for weight loss and only watched it... I decided it was too hard for right now in my life, so then I got Yoga for the Rest of Us and figured I'd build myself up to the BL one.

What kind of dog is that in your picture?? Looks exactley like my dog!

She is a German Shorthaired Pointer. She is 55 pounds and thinks she is a lap dog. I also have one of her litter-mates. A 65 pound male. I love them to death.

nehtaeh

I Christmas. I will just bundle up my girls and take them for a walk through Bronner's and Frankenmuth.

I don't have a wii fit, but plan to get one. I am no help on that one, but I hear its a good workout.

I will be going to Frankenmuth on Oct 10th!
I also will be having my wedding reception there in May 2010!

My brother had his reception in the schoolhouse? I think. It was beautiful. They got married at Crossroads Village in Flint and then had the reception up there. It was Dec. and awesome!

I think we'll wait a bit to go to Frankenmuth but we will make it there this year. I'm excited - I just hope my girls feel the same.