During the winter season, it can be even harder to feel motivated to stay active, especially when it is cold and gloomy outdoors. However, there are numerous ways for one to stay active and improve overall health.
Doing simple circuits that only take fifteen to twenty minutes can help get a bit of exercise, and can be done indoors with very little equipment. YouTube workouts can also be beneficial; there are countless channels, types of workouts and time frames to choose from, and are great for students of all levels of training.
While exercising indoors is effective, going on runs, especially in the morning, are fantastic for getting blood pumping. It is also a healthy and much-needed opportunity to gain exposure to natural blue light in the mornings. Going on short distance runs or long jogs can be done in any type of neighborhood and most weather conditions, especially in California.
A great way to get immersed in nature as well as get some exercise is going on hikes. Hikes can be long or short, and there are hundreds of different trails of varying terrain and difficulty all over the Bay. Not only is it beneficial for your health, but can also be a nice retreat from the chaos of daily life and a way to enjoy the crisp winter air.
Going swimming, especially in the cold wintry mornings, can be not only a satisfying experience in that it provides a sense of accomplishment afterwards, but it can also be rewarding because it improves muscular and cardiovascular health.
There are numerous options for both outdoor and indoor pools around the area that can be utilized; even just spending twenty minutes at a local community pool doing laps before school or on the weekends can relax sore muscles or tight joints, as well as increase blood flow throughout the body.
Yoga is an activity that can be done any time of year, but it is especially important in the wintertime to stay active and move certain muscles or joints that can tighten with the colder weather. Doing just five to fifteen minutes of yoga just after waking up or right before bed is a great way to combat stiff joints during the winter, and also a way to stretch sore muscles and increase overall flexibility.
Staying active during the winter may seem daunting at times, but with so many options available, there’s no shortage of ways to keep moving. Whether it’s a quick circuit workout, a morning jog, a hike through a local trail, a refreshing winter swim, or a quick stretch after waking up, these activities offer both physical and mental benefits.
By incorporating even small amounts of exercise into a daily routine, anyone can combat the winter blues, stay energized, and set the foundation for a more active lifestyle all season long.
