Overcoming the Winter Blues with Fitness

In the summer, it’s easier to get outside to cycle, run, walk, or hike but as the weather gets a little colder and the nights a little darker, people spend a lot less time outdoors.  This lack of sunlight often leads to people experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter Blues. Fortunately, I, as well as many other fitness enthusiasts, aren’t affected as much as by the winter blues others because of many of these tips below.

Gear up:

If you have the right gear, you can still get outdoors when it’s cold and wet without feeling miserable.  Not only will you keep your fitness routine going, but being outdoors even if it’s cloudy and rainy, still exposes you to some levels of daylight, UV Rays and Vitamin D and will help to prevent SAD. So head to REI or your local sporting retailer to get some warm and waterproof clothing.

Join a Group: 

Running in the rain, cycling when it’s cold or hiking when you’re clouded in at the top is a lot more fun with others and when you’re involved in great conversations or post-workout festivities (coffee, beer, warm soup…)

Embrace Winter Activities:

Try some of the more popular winter sports.  You may find a love for an activity that you will get you outdoors all winter long and keep you in great shape.  So whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, sledding or cross-country skiing, there are many outdoor winter activities that will keep your heart pumping, adrenaline flowing and keep you looking and feeling your best all winter long!

Try the Indoor Version:

You can still keep your routine going strong by trying the Indoor versions of your favorite sport.  If you’re storing your road bike for the winter, now would be a great opportunity to start taking an indoor cycling class (come and try mine for free for a couple weeks so you can check it out).  If you like water sports, you might sign up for an Indoor Rowing program. If you like to run, get on the treadmill.  Or if you like to hike, try out the Stairclimbing machines.

Try Something New:

Since your outdoor activity is decreasing, it’s a great opportunity to try a brand new activity or focus on an area that you’d like to improve on. If you like to dance, try a Zumba class and get a good sweat on.  Sign up for a Rock-climbing course at The Source Rockclimbing gym. The cold and wet season is a perfect time to enroll in a Hot Yoga class. Maybe you’ve always want to try a Ballet Bar workout. Winter is a great time to increase your muscle conditioning workouts and develop your strength and endurance.

Join a Gym or Training Studio:

Being around other like-minded individuals on a mission to stay healthy and fit will help to maintain your energy and commitment to your fitness program. All gyms including our Personal Training studio experience an influx of clients coming back to seek refuge from the colder, wetter NW weather.

Seek the Sun:

In the Northwest, we are treated to random days of sunshine during the fall and winter months so always be sure to get outside on those days even for just 15-20 minutes and soak up some Vitamin D.  Many people also benefit from scheduling a trip to the sun during the rainy months to help get their bodies through this time of year – whether it’s just a weekend trip to California, Vegas or Arizona – or even the sunnier areas of the NW – or maybe a trip to Hawaii or Mexico during Winter or Spring break.

 

Yours in Health & Fitness,
Sherri McMillan

 

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