Ugh. It’s *that* time again…
As we begin to head into the winter months, it is important to consider how our exercise and fitness habits might change, and the benefits of exercising.
Exercise can be weather-dependent for many people, as they may not want to exercise out in bad weather (i.e. rain, cloudy, snow, etc.) and they may not want to exercise when it is dark outside (i.e. early morning or late evening. This can leave limited amounts of time to exercise during the winter months when the length of the days becomes shorter and there are more possibilities for rain or snow.
<Nooooo, not jogging in snow!>
<But…>
There are many benefits to exercising other than just an increase in endorphins, and these benefits just might nudge you toward exercising even during the winter months, up to and including, yes, jogging in the snow. The Mayo clinic reports that physical activity can “reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your balance and coordination, help you lose weight, and even boost your self-esteem.” The Mayo clinic also recommends a combination of strength training and aerobic activity and they even provide examples and videos of various exercises to help get individuals started!
So as we enter in these next few months of decreased sun exposure, sunny days, and lower temperatures, consider looking for exercises to do inside your home! Below are some resources to help you get started.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/fitness-basics/hlv-20049447
Hannah Sutherland, MA, LPA (Temp)
WKPIC Doctoral Intern