How can we remain physically active during the winter months?
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EmailThis article describes several physical activities that can be enjoyed outdoors during the winter months.
As the leaves change, we began anticipating what comes next, winter. While some of us prefer to retreat indoors during this time, it is also a great time to go outside and take advantage of the season. Additionally, these activities provide several health benefits including strengthening bones and muscles, lowering blood pressure and type 2 diabetes risk.
Winter Activities
The winter, specifically periods of time when it is below freezing and snow and ice are visible, presents many opportunities for physical activities that we otherwise can not do in the summer months. How about ice skating? In addition to several bodies of water normally freezing over during this time, several park ice rinks are designed for this purpose. Be sure to use appropriate safety considerations before venturing on the ice such as checking the ice thickness and carrying potential lifesaving equipment such as ice picks. Check out the State of Michigan’s ice safety information website from the Department of Natural Resources for further information. Other winter physical activities include cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, downhill skiing, sledding, and even hiking. You may need to modify the boots used to account for snow and ice, which could require the use of snowshoes during some physical activity outdoors. Everyday chores such as shoveling snow and spreading salt are also considered physical activities.
Mild Winter Activities
Sometimes, it is not cold enough outside to consider going to the ice rink or pulling out the cross-country skis. However, an absence of snow and ice also presents an opportunity for physical activity. If you regularly run during the warmer months, you can also do so during this time but be sure to dress for the weather. What about a simple game of catch or soccer? While it may not seem or feel the same as the warmer months, you are still physically active all the while working on or maintaining several sports skills. In addition, it has been a growing trend to simply perform workouts outside with some individuals bringing their yoga mats and weights outside. This could break up the monotony of our indoor activities and add an element of adventure.
For further resources on how to be physically active and ways to be active all year, please visit the MSU Extension’s Physical Activity website.