Winter Workouts

Posted: February 17, 2016 at 9:00 am, Last Updated: February 15, 2016 at 11:33 pm

Northern Virginia saw more snow earlier this week. Fortunately, the weather is nice and the sun still shines long enough for people to get outside and be active. The weather appears to be warming up and an early spring may be on the way. If the weather continues to be cold and icy, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to be active outside during the winter months that are both fun and beneficial.

Utilize the snow:

  • Ski/Snowboard
    • 485 calories/hour
    • Improve your core and leg strength. Improve your balance while getting a major calorie burn.
  • Sledding
    • 362 calories/hour
    • Sliding down works core muscles. Trekking up the hill is a great workout for legs and cardio and burning calories.
    • Bring the whole family to have quality workout family fun!

“Summer-like” Activities:

  • Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
    • 550-700 calories/hour
    • Can’t run because it’s too cold or there’s too much snow? Make it fun with skis or snowshoes!
  • Ice Climbing
    • 545 calories/hour
    • Do you like rock climbing? Try ice climbing! Or even just go on a hike!  Ice climbing is a full body workout with focus on the upper half while hiking in the snow is great for your lower body.
  • Ice Hockey
    • 545 calories/hour
    • Ice Hockey might be hard to do in the D.C. area, but it is possible if it gets cold enough. With this, it is important to be extra careful when walking on frozen lakes or ponds.  Make sure it is absolutely 100% safe.  Avoid this risk by finding a local ice skating rink that will allow you to play hockey!

Try something you can only do in the winter:

  • Ice skate
    • 460 calories/hour
    • Ice skating is a lower-body/cardio focused workout that works those small muscles that help keep you upright and balanced
  • Curling
    • 265 calories/hour
    • This is a low-intensity workout but the occasional low-impact activity is beneficial to all

These activities will burn calories and give you a great workout while you have fun and don’t even think about the fact you are exercising.  It is important to remember that before, during, and after each activity, one must refuel and rehydrate.  Calories are burned faster in the cold weather meaning you do not have to be outside as long to get a high-calorie burn.  You may not notice the sweat like you would in summer months and you may not feel as thirsty.  It is just as important in the winter months to replenish and stay hydrated as it is in the summer months. So don’t let the cold air keep you from being active outside.  Get out there and make the most of every season!

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/winter-fitness-outside-seasonal-sports_n_1171917.html