Exercise Tips for Winter

You wake up to the sound of rain and sleet against your window seal. You peek one eye open to see what’s happening outside only to find a winter wonderland at your doorstep. How easy would it be to roll over, throw the covers over your head and just sleep in? But instead you have to contemplate leaving extra early to clean your car and manage the crazies on the road.

It’s hard enough to not use up a “personal day” so early in the year, let alone to actually work out! But we are not bears, so this cannot be a hibernation for us! Just because some of us are facing winter conditions is no excuse for not exercising and working out. Being a raw foodist is about more than just eating right. It’s about taking care of yourself (mind, body and spirit). The benefits of exercise when paired with dynamic eating habits are greatly enhanced.

Here are some tips to help get you in the mood to get physical during these cold winter months:

• If you do have a gym membership, try to get there! It might be difficult to work up the nerve to do a workout by yourself, so see if you can enroll in one of their aerobic classes. If the classes do not meet your schedule, talk to gym management to see if they have a workout partner program or a free trail period for a friend. People who have work out partners are more likely to keep to their workout routine because someone else is holding them accountable. Invite a friend along…your workout will be much more fun as you gab about the day and challenge each other to who can lift the most weights (within reason of course!)
• Let’s say the gym is out of the question. With the recent state of the economy we can understand why a membership may not be as high on your priority list as paying your gas and electric bill. No worries. Next time you are in a department store, stop by their fitness equipment section. No worries, we are not asking you to invest in a tredmill or some other giant monster that won’t fit in your home. But it might benefit you to get a workout ball or a couple dumbbell weights. These are things you can easily do at home.
• So you’ve got some weights and a couple other fitness items at home but they are pretty much collecting dust. Well, after you wipe them down with some good ol’ fashion water, set up a time for you to use them and stick to it. If you are living by yourself, use your computer to make some up beat workout playlists. And then let’er rip. Working out to upbeat music helps to keep your momentum going and takes your focus off of things like “oh my goodness how long do I have to do this?”
• If you happen to have a partner or a family in the mix, share in on the fun. Kids love to run, jump and move (plus it will tire them out which will be great when bedtime comes along). And your partner might not mind stretching with you or dancing to some music while turning down the house or doing chores. Some movement is better than no movement at all.
• Snag some workout videos!!! They practically go for absolutely nothing! Don’t get one, get 3 or 4 to allow for some variety. This will help keep your heart pumping while you are beating those winter blues.
• It’s important to start small. If you find that working out at home is not an option, there’s nothing like hitting up the local mall and doing a couple laps there. And there is no shame in checking out some items that you may want to buy later once you are done.

The key is to start small and stay motivated. We know it’s tough, but we also know it’s worth it. Feel free to share your workout tips and how you are beating the winter blues too!

By rawfoodnation Tags: exercise, healthy, winter, workout
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