Although we are counting the days until spring to enjoy warm weather and evening strolls by the river, winter is not a season to ignore. One of the best ways to embrace the winter months is by staying active. Turn off the tv, ditch your phone and bundle up to enjoy the season’s beauty.

By staying active in the winter, you can benefit your health by:

• Increases endurance: In cold temperatures, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard; you sweat less and expend less energy, which can improve your endurance.
  
  
• Burns more fat: According to researchers, when a peptide found in our muscles is activated during exercise in cold temperatures, it helps your body burn fat.
  
  
• Keeps you from getting SAD: Regular exercise can protect against seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People can manage or avoid SAD with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise and 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight in the winter.

Take A Walk

Did you know Springbank Park is the largest park in London? We are thankful to have it right in the backyard. Enjoy the scenic views of the season along the Thames River.  Before you head out to enjoy the sunshine, eat a nutritious meal, bring snacks, stay hydrated, and do some light stretches. Always dress for the weather – layers are essential! Let the invigorating cold air clear your mind and ease stress

Yoga

Yoga incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and movement to reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Yoga has countless benefits, including improving strength and flexibility, easing arthritis symptoms, providing back pain relief, and helping lower high blood pressure. You don’t need to be flexible to start yoga; there are plenty of poses and sequences for beginners of all ages.

Create An At-Home Gym

It’s easy to pick up resistance bands, stretch bands, lightweights, and a yoga mat to help you work your muscles. Having these tools available will help you stick to working out. You can also incorporate low-impact cardio into your routine.

Tai Chi

Known as meditation in motion, tai chi is a low-impact, slow-moving exercise that moves you gracefully through series of motions. The movements are calming and never forced. Practising tai chi can help with flexibility, balance, muscle strength and aerobic condition.

Make A Plan

Create a schedule for your workouts and walks. Pick a time that works for you – maybe you prefer an afternoon break, or you like to start your mornings with a boost of energy. Write it down in your calendar and commit to it.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

When it comes to exercise, it is recommended to move your body for at least 30 minutes every day. In the winter, that might not be as easy, and that’s okay. Some movement is better than none. You can also try breaking up your workouts or walks into two or three 15 minute intervals.