Don't Let Winter Slow You Down!

Taking an afternoon jog or playing a game of touch football in the park are both enjoyable ways to stay fit, but what happens when that mercury drops and the trails are covered in snow? Here are some great outdoor activities to help you stay active during the winter season.

• cross country skiiing or nordic walking through your local park or public golf course
• skating, ice hockey or shinny at your local neighborhood rink
• shoveling the driveway (just remember to take stretch breaks!)
• sledding
• snowshoeing

There are a few things you may want to consider before participating in outdoor winter activities:

• dress appropriately.  Dressing in layers is most effective. Try starting with a synthetic material that will help draw the sweat away from your body
• footware is an important part of staying warm. Wearing wool socks and insultated boots and shoes helps regulate the bodies temperature
• keep hydrated!  Even in the winter, it is important to drink lots of fluids, even if you are not feeling thirsty
• apply sunscreen.  You still need to protect yourself from the sun, even in the winter months
• wear a hat.  We loose a significant amount of body heat through our head

If the cold is just not for you, here are a few indoor activities:

• join a health or fitness club.  Most fitness clubs offer a wide variety of group fitness classes as well as weight training and personalized fitness consultants.  This is a great alternative for those that enjoy the social aspect to getting active.
• make a splash at your local community pool or leisure centre
• try and new fitness trend like 'hot yoga' or pilates.  Add variety to your routine
• find ways to exercise in your own home.  Invest in some home fitness equipment or invite the whole family to participate in an "active" activity/game