Staying Active When It’s Cold Outside

The definition of “cold” varies greatly depending on where you live. And while being active during the colder months – whatever your definition – has its challenges, moving your body and breaking a sweat this time of year can be both invigorating and rewarding. Though it’s tempting to curl up on a cozy couch and call it a day, fitting in some exercise is not only good for your body, but your mood and mental health as well. Here are our favorite ways to warm up in the wintertime.

1. Hit the Gym. This one is kind of a given, but going to the gym has its perks. The gym is well-lit and temperature regulated year-round, regardless of how cold or dark it may be outside. Aerobic exercise (like running on the treadmill) is good for our cardiovascular health and coordination, while anaerobic exercise (like lifting weights) supports bone health, a healthy metabolic rate, improved posture and strength. Additionally, both forms of movement get your endorphins flowing, which can be a healthy way to ward off the winter blues.
2. Try a yoga or Pilates class. These activities are fantastic for improving flexibility, balance, and core strength. They also promote relaxation and stress relief, which can be particularly valuable during the winter months when you might be more prone to feeling cooped up, stressed, or even down thanks to the shorter days.
3. Skate the rink or hit the slopes. For a lot of people, the winter months are actually the best time of year to engage in activities they love. Just as we encourage you to eat with the seasons, we’re fans of sporting with the seasons, too! Depending on where you live, this can include going ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, or even going for a winter hike or bike ride.
4. Do an at-home workout. If the thought of leaving the house is just too much (we get it!), you can create an effective at-home workout that is both fun and flexible without the need for any equipment or weights. The internet provides endless resources working out at home, from online lists to free videos. There are so many options available to us, the hardest part is finding something you truly enjoy and sticking with it.

Now that you’ve found your winter workout, it’s our job to help you recover! Refueling after exercise is essential for restoring your body’s glycogen levels (the stored form of carbohydrates), repairing muscle damage, and rehydrating. Consuming a combination of protein and carbohydrates soon after your workout helps to maximize recovery and prepare you for your next session or wintertime adventure. With the nutribullet Flip™ Insulated Portable Blender, you can easily prepare nutritious shakes and smoothies that are tailored to your needs, making it convenient to stay on top of your nutrition needs even on the coldest of days.