Many people find it difficult to keep up with a fitness regimen during the
winter months, but sticking with your workouts can do wonders for both your
physical and mental health.
Exercising outdoors
can be particularly beneficial. Spending time in the sun is an effective way
to combat the symptoms of
seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that’s linked to the changing of seasons.
Get active in Philly
There’s no shortage of places to get your heart rate up in the Philadelphia
region. If you want to venture outside your neighborhood to walk or run,
consider these places:
• Fairmount Park, which has
five jogging trails
• The
Schuylkill River Trail, which has a finished stretch that runs along an abandoned rail line
• Any of the more than 30 trails in
Delaware County
• The 282 miles of
shared-use trails
in Bucks County
• The many
hiking trails in Chester County’s parks
• The 96 miles of trails across
Montgomery County
If you want to ice skate outdoors, the Delaware River Waterfront is home to
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, a riverfront winter wonderland that features an NHL-sized skating rink.
There are also numerous
ski resorts
within driving distance of Philadelphia if skiing or snowboarding is your
thing.
And don’t assume you can’t get some outdoor exercise if a snowstorm stops
you from going for your daily walk or run. Shoveling snow can be a great
workout — just be sure you do it
safely
. Philadelphia also has some
good sledding hills, as do these
state parks. The ride downhill may not burn many calories, but the walk back up the
hill certainly will!
Staying safe
Outdoor exercise does require some planning during the colder months.
Wintery weather can make walking or running outdoors uncomfortable or even
unsafe.
Always prepare for any outdoor activity by
warming up first. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of
hypothermia, which include intense shivering, extreme fatigue, slurred speech, or loss
of coordination.
To protect yourself, wear multiple layers of clothing and make sure the
first layer is a fabric that can wick water away from your skin, such as
wool, polyester, or nylon. It’s also important to keep your head, hands, and
feet warm. And don’t forget to wear shoes that will provide support and
traction in slippery conditions.
If possible, exercise in daylight. That way, drivers can see you and you can
be on the lookout for hazards along on your route. If your schedule only
allows to you exercise at night, be sure to wear bright, reflective clothing
so you’re easy to see and avoid.
And don’t forget — staying
hydrated
is just as important during the winter months as it is in the summer!
Exercising indoors
If exercising in cold weather isn’t for you, there are plenty of ways to get
your blood pumping indoors. The Philadelphia region has tons of gyms and
fitness studios, but it’s also possible to burn some calories without even
leaving your home.
If
you have stairs, climbing up and down them can offer an intense workout. If you want to
accomplish something while exercising, do some
household chores.
Many stretching routines and
exercises,
such as jumping jacks, squats, sit-ups, and push-ups, don’t require any
equipment. And there are a variety of virtual workout classes available
online.
Whether you’re braving the cold for a jog or working out indoors, staying
active during winter is crucial for your overall well-being. Fortunately,
the Philadelphia region offers endless ways to get moving!