Winter Workouts

connnieup
connnieup Posts: 6
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi! I'm sort of new here- at least never posted anything. I've always scanned the forums and so many of you seem really helpful so maybe I can get some new ideas from you guys.
I started trying to be healthier and losing weight over the summer but I didn't use myfitnesspal until recently. I really liked being outside. I would jog around the trails by my house or hike with friends. It didn't even feel like exercise but it worked. We did that up until it got very cold and the snow started to slam us around here.
A problem I'm running into is that I don't have money for a gym membership. I've been using free day passes and tagging along with a friend occasionally when the offer comes up. I'm working on saving up for a membership but I'm pretty broke since I'm in college.
I still walk/jog the trails sometimes when its nice but they're always either super muddy or super icy which is to be expected.

I guess my point is that I'm not very knowledgeable about the right way to go about being outside and exercising during the winter. I don't want to hurt myself by doing something stupid that I didn't know about. Along with that, maybe someone can suggest a good DVD or even a website for the days when we have storms and I can't get out.

These questions might seem so obvious to some of you out there, so I'm sorry for that. Hopefully I get there one day haha but all help is appreciated!

Replies

  • rella_1003
    rella_1003 Posts: 70 Member
    I follow youtube vids that way I can do it in the comfort of my own home and not have to wear my scarf!
  • st_scrivener
    st_scrivener Posts: 26
    I'm just like you; I love to be outside, do most of my workouts outside, and do not have access to a gym membership. I also live in the midwest, so winters suck.

    While I will be starting to marathon train on January 27th (hoping the temperature is bearable by then), right now I only run outside when it's decent out (at least 25 degrees, which is as much as I can handle without any of that fancy winter running gear), and I'm currently doing multiple 30 day challenges to lead into my marathon training.

    Do you have a Wii? You can do a ton of workouts on there; otherwise, if you're into workout videos (I'm not), you can YouTube tons of them. Zumba is a really fun one.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    today is minus 20 and a snowstorm,
    i snowshoed for 70 mins and shovelled snow for 20 mins so far.
    i like to hike thru the bush in the winter.
    i cross country ski, downhill ski, snowboard
    i go tubing and tobogganing
    I LOVE WINTER!
    just getting out doing snow angels, buliding snowforts, and snowmen!
  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
    I haven't been to a gym in years. As above states, find videos you enjoy. There are a lot of different types out there. Maybe find a friend that will exercise with you, more fun
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    ICE SKATING!!!, forgot that..
  • proudjmmom
    proudjmmom Posts: 145 Member
    I live in Northern Canada, where temperatures frequently dip below -40C and we are snow covered for just about 7-8 months of the year. When temps are between -30C and -40C, I still get out to walk most daily. Walking in snow, for me, burns on average 200 calories MORE then walking on the dirt road for 1 hour. I also like to go skating, sledding with my kids, we do a lot of snowmobiling. This year I will take up cross country skiing. There are lots of things you can do in the snow. Shoveling is a good workout too!
  • connnieup
    connnieup Posts: 6
    You guys are all so helpful! (: For some reason I never even considered just doing seasonal things like that. I guess I've never been much of a winter person but maybe I can find something I like by just getting out there and trying new things. Ice skating might be interesting..and that's interesting about walking in the snow. I can definitely manage that.
    I don't have a Wii but I can definitely check out Youtube for stuff like that. Awesome suggestions. Thank you all!
  • emily356
    emily356 Posts: 318 Member
    I just bought a mini trampoline! Easy to do indoors. We will see how good of a workout it is.:)
  • mmm_drop
    mmm_drop Posts: 1,126 Member
    If you get some great winter-wear, you will be all set to play outside in the winter! We haven't had much snow this year, but once we get some I'll be out there snowshoeing, or just tromping around in the snow with my boots on.

    Just remember in the winter to bundle up for the weather, but dress in layers in case you get too warm and get good gear (boots, ice clamps, snowshoes, cross country skis, whatever it may be and snow pants, good coat, gloves, hat, scarf, etc.)

    For inside though, if it's just too dang cold or crummy out then find a workout DVD you like to do or if you have a Wii check out their Zumba or fitness games. :)

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