Healthy Living Series: 7 Tips to Make Outdoor Exercise Safe and Fun

7 Tips for Taking Your Exercise Outdoors this Winter

Don’t wait until spring to continue (or start) your exercise routine: If you don’t belong to a gym, remember that the cold weather can be invigorating and a refreshing change of pace! As always, exercise will reduce stress and help clear your mind. If you’re feeling unmotivated or unsure about how to start here are a few tips to help you get going on a walking program:

1. Buy shoes with heavier soles for more traction if the ground in your area is icy or snowy.

2. Wear layers so you don’t get overheated. Take off the outer layer and wrap it around your waist when you get warm. (Think about purchasing some high-tech, yet lightweight, winter wear made for all levels of activity. Think Gore-tex, Polartec and CoolMax)

3. Wear a scarf around your mouth and nose – but keep it loose and remove it if you start getting too warm.

4. Start off slow – your heart and lungs need a bit more time to warm up in cold weather. 10 minutes of slower paced activity should do it and then you can gradually increase your intensity.

5. Grab a friend – planning an outing with a friend or family member can make a walk more enjoyable and the time will speed by.

6. Listen to music – plug into some favorite tunes and before you know it, you’re done!

7. Give yourself 5 minutes – Tell yourself you’ll do it for at least 5 minutes. Chances are, once you get out there you’ll go longer. If not, 5 minutes is better than nothing!

​Remember to be realistic about the weather – there is such a thing as being too cold out so if the temps dip to below freezing, think about cuddling up indoors for the day or pop in an exercise DVD and keep moving!