How do you exercise when it's cold and snowing in winter??

I am new to this climate and I've been told by my partner that it is too cold and snowy to go outside some days for walking and that it can be dangerous to my health. This is so hard for me because I love to walk, it's my favourite way to exercise...I don't even think the cold bothers me that much but I haven't really experienced a -20 degree day.

How do people exercise in the winter?

Are you talking -20 C? That there's dang cold. But it's not hazardous to your health if you're dressed appropriately. Bundle up and do what you do!

I live in Buffalo and I'm sorry...I don't like the cold...not even after living my entire life here. So I go to the gym lol!

honestly I hate to be layered up, a little snow or rain doesn't bother me but if it's so cold that it hurts to breathe in forget it, I hate to wear a scarf over my mouth and nose! I find something to do inside, treadmill, bike, punching bag, pole, elliptical, workout DVDs, weights, yoga mat. It's endless you don't need to be outside to get a good workout, heck you don't even need much room or equipment. How about a jumprope? or just an aerobic step?

I live in Oregon and on my bike ride this morning (mind you it is only going to get worse) it was 32 degrees F. at costco I found a set of waterproof, windproof, athletic gear that you can wear in temperatures down to like -10F. I wear that on top of a sweater and my workout pants and I sweat like a beast but I am warm. I also wear waterproof gloves and have protective, waterproof covers for the top of my shoes.

We will not have many negative temp days here, but you can find gear that is approved for temperatures down as far as you need and like I said, you may sweat a lot but damn you'll be warm.

I'm only in Northeast Ohio, but I've been known to skip a run when it was in the teens & icy. . . I did an aerobic video or two and caught up on my run another day. Below 20 degrees F, I'm a wuss and stay inside. I can admit it!

More about dressing appropriately - you may wanna do it in layers, in case you get hot...take pieces off until you settle on a temperature you like. You'll be a little chilly when you start but once you get moving, you will warm up! You do NOT wanna sweat a lot when you're out in the cold, cuz it can be very uncomfy when it freezes on you and chills you. Definitely wear some moisture-wicking clothing as your base layer, the one next to your skin. Look in to something like Under Armour or the equivalents in other brands. I never wanted to spend on this stuff before, but once I tried it (got one on discount at ****'s), it's changed my life. There are different fits for it too, so if the "fitted" or second skin style ones are too tight and uncomfy, the semi-fitted still very work well with getting the sweat off of your skin.

About the air - take this time during the Fall to train yourself to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. It takes some getting used to, and I'm still working on it, but your nose has those hairs in it that help warm up the air for your lungs. This way the cold air of winter won't irritate your throat and lungs with its chill. I'm asthmatic and a runner, so this helps me a lot. If it's too much, consider wearing a scarf over your face or a balaclava (both of which also come in moisture-wicking material, not for sweat really but more for your breath that might wet the material uncomfortably).

Hope this helps! Also, snow is not bad to walk in, just wear appropriate shoes. What you wanna look out for is sheets of ice.

Walk in circles around the house. I do it all the time

That was going to be my response. Can't walk outside? Walk inside!

You could always workout in your house..... dvd's or weights.

Or.... If you want to stay out of the cold, what about some cardio type DVD's for inside? (Insanity, 10 Minute Trainer and other types of home DVD sets like that) That's what I use right now and it's working great.. I'm a Southern boy (born and raised) and I despise the cold. So, I feel your pain in not wanting to deal with it. (That's why I moved back down here)

I dress a little warmer, put on the right shoes and go outside and run. Cold is not dangerous, being unprepared in the cold is. 20 degrees is a bit chill, but it won't kill you if you are dressed for it.

I agree with this. I go outside and still walk and bike when I can

Or.... If you want to stay out of the cold, what about some cardio type DVD's for inside? (Insanity, 10 Minute Trainer and other types of home DVD sets like that) That's what I use right now and it's working great.. I'm a Southern boy (born and raised) and I despise the cold. So, I feel your pain in not wanting to deal with it. (That's why I moved back down here)

I so feel that! I am a born and raised Southern girl and I absolutely hate living in the the North and everything about it. I have homework DVDs so this year, I plan on staying inside and instead of hibernating like I really want to, I am going to force myself to work out. This way, I can be warm enough to change clothes and stay warm while working out!

I also love walking and I have been doing a ton of hiking and we are getting cold weather here also. I usually would have stopped going outside, but this is the most I have ever hiked in my life, so I can't just let it go. I have stocked up on cold weather gear and I am even going to get Yaktraks for my shoes so I can walk on ice and snow easily. I am actually attempting a 14er this weekend with some friends and it is only going to be about 20 degrees and we just go snow last night and are expecting more tonight. I know for me the most important thing is covering my mouth and nose. You dont even have to spend a lot on stuff either. Just layer up and get something for your shoes so you dont slip and get hurt.

I am from weather that cold and colder! buy a gym membership or invest in dvd workouts for the house, or a treadmill. my guess it is windy there too? being outside is dangerous in those temps, skin freezes quickly with a wind chill factored in.
good luck and keep at it!

It's not too complicated.

1. When the snow isn't thigh high, you can strap on some ice cleats: http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0788368P/sub-zero-sub-zero-full-foot-ice-cleats-reviews/reviews.htm. It's perfectly safe to walk with them. They grip the ice so you won't slip.

2. When the snow is so high you can't possibly wade through it, get a workout DVD that you can do in your living room (like Jillian Michaels or something that doesn't require equipment).

3. Do NOT let winter be an excuse NOT to workout. Winter is going to be around more then summer. if you let it dictate what you can do physically you're screwed.

4. Shoveling snow is a GREAT exercise. Do it. Just do it. And then do your neighbors driveway too.

5. Learn how to ski. Also great exercise.

Yep, it can get cold in Canada. Here are two of my suggestions.

1. Check if there are community walking clubs in your area. In my small town there is one that meets at the local high school in the winter every Monday night.
The community one over from mine has a walking club at the arena (It's a good sized arena and people walk the concourse) three mornings a week and they attract a good crowd.
In larger centres many of the malls have walking clubs early in the morning. They open the doors early and you can walk while the stores are closed. Check into it.

2. Curling. Don't knock it until you try it. I've curled for the past two years and it's a good workout if you sweep vigorously. Burns a lot of calories and gets the heart beating. It's also fun and social