Baby, it’s cold outside! Okay, not here in sunny San Diego but where many of you live. Just because there’s no school and it’s too cold to go outside doesn’t mean you get a pass from working out.
It doesn’t have to be a polar vortex either to not want to get outdoors. I must be made of sugar the way I avoid it when there’s even a drop of rain. Here are five ideas for getting in fitness when the weather is inclement.
Unrobe the Exercise Equipment
If your treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical or other piece of equipment has become a place to hang clothes its’ time to find someplace else for them. One way to motivate yourself is make a rule you can’t watch TV unless you’re on the bike or treadmill.
Fitness DVDs
I have a stack of fitness DVDs waiting for me to pop them in the DVD or my laptop. Whether I’m in the mood for a walk or mat pilates I have it in my library. Whether it’s Leslie Sansone or Jillian Michaels I’m in the mood for they’re ready.
Online Resources
Don’t have even DVDs? Don’t worry there are lots of workout videos available online. Search YouTube and you’ll be sure to find videos for just about any kind of workout.
There are websites with videos and directions for just about any exercise. One of my favorites is Sparkpeople.com where membership is free.
Stairs
If you live in a two-story (or more) home or a multi-floor apartment building then take to the stairs. Challenge yourself to as many stairs as you can do in a timeframe or a certain target number. I think the most I’ve done in one day is 50 flights.
Household Equipment
During the past couple of years I have learned if there’s a will there’s a way. I’ve substituted food cans for weights many times. My kitchen counter is great to balance on for lunges and for upright push-ups. I can use the couch for tricep dips.
Take a fresh look at your home and you’ll see a way to use many of the items there for fitness. What’s your strategy for keeping fit during extreme weather?
I collect fitness DVD’s. They’re a joy to have.
We have a Concept 2 rower and a Treadmill and dumbbells at home. I like walking outside a lot. But, during the hot hot summer (Texas) or when it is cold or rainy I like having options. I have a couple of DVDs as well (don’t use them much, not even sure where they are) and I even have a Wii and have been known to use the Wii Fit.