Why You Should Keep Active This Cold Season
Winter is here - The days are getting shorter, the nights colder, and our motivation to maintain the health and fitness lifestyle has the tendency to slip as we take on a “Snuggle Up” mentality. 4 in 5 Australians report their exercise regime drops off when the weather gets cooler. Although you may want to stay in your warm bed, winter shouldn’t be a time to let your fitness routine hibernate. The reality is, our health cannot afford a few months hibernation every year. Adopting a sedentary lifestyle, even just for winter, can have a lasting impact on our overall fitness and wellbeing.
Exercising in the colder months has many benefits, so consider the following:
1. THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN:
The sun is more than just a heater in the winter months. Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight. It can also be obtained from some foods. We need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.
In late autumn and winter in Australia, spend time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered. Being physically active (e.g. gardening or going for a brisk walk) also helps boost vitamin D levels.
2. MINIMISING INJURIES, SETTING GOALS
If you are someone who typically slows down or stops exercising all together when it’s cold, perhaps it’s time to revisit your short and long term goals and list what you would like to achieve in the next few months. That time will fly by!
Year round physical activity can help prevent injuries from creeping in. Your body will remain physically conditioned, so when it hits Spring (when most start to pick up their regime again in aim of getting fit for Summer), you won’t be faced with the risk of developing injuries from jumping straight back into exercise.
3. KEEP HEALTHY
During the winter months it is easy to turn to all things comfort – staying indoors, eating more and moving less. In fact, 80% of Australians admit to putting on weight over the cold season. Therefore it’s important to try and keep your bodies moving to assist in balancing your energy in vs your energy out.
Research has shown that regular exercise strengthens the immune system to ward off viral and bacterial infections - making it particularly important in this cold and flu season. So get moving in any way you can!
4. LIFTING THE MOOD
For those who suffer from the Winter Blues, a daily dose of exercise could be just what the doctor ordered. Cardiovascular exercise releases our “feel-good” chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Combine this with getting outdoors or working out with friends and your spirits will be sure to improve!
5. TRY NEW THINGS
If you don’t want to sweat it out on the pavement during the morning chills, winter could be the perfect time to branch out from your regular activity and try new and exciting ones. Perhaps you could join a gym, try group fitness classes or start working out with that friend you have been meaning to. Rock climbing is also a great indoor fitness activity that challenges every part of your body!