How to Stay Active When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside

Finding the motivation to stay active can be tough – especially when it’s cold outside. Shorter days, chilly temperatures and busy holiday schedules can easily derail your fitness routine, and at-home gym systems or equipment don’t always fit into everyone’s budget. The good news: you already have everything you need to keep moving this season. Read on for some easy ways you can stay active all winter long.

Turn Everyday Home Maintenance into Mini Workouts

You’ve got to tackle household tasks anyway – why not make them work for you? Vacuuming, sweeping and doing laundry can all double as light exercise. For an additional boost, try adding extra movements to your routine: take one load of laundry upstairs at a time, do a few calf raises while washing the dishes or do some squats in between moving clothes from the washer to the dryer. These small bursts of movement add up over time, helping keep your muscles engaged and your joints limber.

Find Online Workouts that Fit Your Style

There’s a ton of fitness content available online – from YouTube and TikTok to the social media pages of certified trainers and fitness influencers. These platforms have endless options, from gentle yoga flows and beginner kickboxing combos to strength sessions that use only your body weight. It’s just a matter of opening your laptop or smart phone and finding what works for you.

Walk It Out – Indoors

Walking is a great alternative to higher-impact activities: it’s easy on your joints, it helps clear your mind and it’s something you can do practically anywhere, any time. And you don’t need a track or a treadmill – simply put on some upbeat music or queue up your favorite podcast and get your laps in by walking around the house. Or, try walking in place while you watch TV or talk on the phone. For the best results, walk it out two or three times a day – about 10 to 15 minutes each – or set a daily step goal and make it part of your routine.

Get Creative with Household Items

You can use everyday items in new ways to make your workouts work for you. No weights? No problem. Water bottles or jugs, canned goods and bags filled with books are all everyday items that can be used for resistance training. Additionally, a particularly sturdy chair can support things like tricep dips, step-ups and balance exercises. No matter what your home fitness area looks like, always keep your space clear and safe before you start.

Schedule Some “Movement Breaks” Throughout Your Day

Another way to keep moving: plan short breaks to make sure you’re not sitting for too long. If you’re stuck inside this season – especially working from home – set a timer to remind yourself to stand, stretch or move every hour or half hour if you’re feeling ambitious. For added benefit, include gentle shoulder rolls, twists or other low-impact movements to ease tension and keep your body feeling limber. These breaks help reduce stiffness, boost focus and might even make the day go by faster, too. So, remember to take a beat – you deserve it!

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or expensive to make a difference. Even just 15 minutes a day of any of these light activities can lift your mood, ease your stress and support your overall health. If you plan to spend more time indoors this winter, that’s fine – just remember to keep moving. Your body and mind will thank you come spring!

No matter the season, AtlantiCare is here to help you live your healthiest life. For additional support and information about staying active, visit the LifeCenter or call 609-677-5433.