Gobbled Up Extra Pounds? 10 Winter Wonderland Workouts to the Rescue!

Our 25lb Maple Bourbon Brine/Applewood Smoked Turkey

So if your Thanksgiving was anything like mine, you just gobble gobbled up a few extra pounds with all that delicious cooking.  So we’re a little fluffier, we can work it off…right?  Oh, and not to mention that now we enter the holiday cookie season which is certain to add a few more Ho Ho Holiday pounds!  So maybe we can just hide under sweatshirts for a while and hit the workout hard once the weather warms up in a few months.

Ummm, I don’t think so…not going down that road again.  This year we are going to keep in shape, feel great all winter long, and look amazing in that New Years Eve outfit that is hanging in the closet!  But…I also know I won’t be running out in the freezing cold like I did last winter.  Burning lungs anyone?  No thank you, I’m a fair weather runner.  So I thought up some great ideas to keep us in shape all winter long and love it!

Kent and I Snowboarding in Colorado

10 Winter Wonderland Workouts to the Rescue!

1. Skiing/Snowboarding – If you are lucky enough to live near a slope, get yourself a season pass and enjoy the mountain!  Some slopes even feature night skiing, making it easy to hit the slopes after a day of work.  No mountains close enough to make regular trips?  Cross Country Skiing is a great alternative for flat snowy areas!
2. Yoga – Why not give your mind (and your body) a tune up this winter?  Treat yourself to a yoga studio membership.  It is a great way to meet people, explore new styles, and get in-person guidance on poses.  If you are feeling a little shy or are on a budget, check out Yoga With Adriene on YouTube.  She posts everything from in-depth help with poses to full routines, and the best part?  It’s free!
3. BodyRock – Some of you might genuinely enjoy going to the gym, but for those who avoid memberships like the plague, check out the BodyRock YouTube channel.  It is like having a personal trainer in your home for free!  You can follow the 10 week plan to get yourself through winter and never get bored with all the new workouts posted!
4. Play in the Snow – Unleashed your inner child and have a blast.   Build a snowman, go sledding, or build a snowfort for that awesome snowball fight that is bound to happen.  Bring the kid or fur kids for a winter of family fun!
5. Dance –  Ever see a great dance routine and find yourself daydreaming?  Why not use this winter as the opportunity to learn a few new moves?  Maybe you want to breakout on the dance floor at your favorite club or enjoy a romantic waltz at the next wedding you attend.  There are dance studios for anything from tap to swing dancing and it is never to late to learn!
6. Ice Skating – If you live in an area where the lakes freeze over, invest in a good pair a skates and get going.  Not so lucky?  Find a great rink to skate on instead, most will offer lessons if you are new or want to improve.
7. Snowshoeing/Hiking – There are few things more peaceful than strapping on a pair of snowshoes and walking through a winter wonderland.  If there isn’t enough snow, grab a set of yaktrax and hit the hiking trails.  Yaktrax are a great way to add additional/temporary traction to any shoes (your otherwise “bruised from too many falls” rear will thank you later)!  And, even though I won’t be running this winter, they are perfect in you want to run along the trails this season.
8. Indoor Rock Wall Climbing – Did you know there is most likely an indoor rock wall climbing facility hiding near you?  This is a great way to lose weight while building strength.  If you are new to rock climbing, you can count on undergoing a safety orientation and the equipment provided for you.  Some even offer classes and programs to improve your skills.  If you find yourself going without a belay partner, try bouldering (climbing across rather than up)  just as fun and you can do it solo!
9. Volunteer to Snow Shovel – Next time you finish shoveling your driveway, spread some holiday cheer and shovel a neighbor’s too.  There are lots of programs that match snowcrew volunteers to elderly citizens and other neighbors who need help to clearing the snow.
10. Shopping! – You heard right, knock out that holiday shopping list and do some walking laps around the mall.  Check out the Mall of America and the Mayo Clinic Mile Program and these 9 Ways to Exercise at the Mall for inspiration.  Your local mall information booth should have information on their mall walking program.

My Colorado Hike without Yaktrax…Ouch!

 

I hope these ideas got you motivated to keep in motion this winter.  I can’t wait to get started on a few this week!  If you have another brilliant winter workout activity, please share in the comments!