Winter temperatures have found their way to the Washington, D.C. region! With fewer hours of daylight, and the cold weather making it tempting to stay indoors where it’s warm, it can be difficult to make time for movement during the winter months. Staying active during the winter months doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Take Your Exercise Outdoors!
Exercising in cold weather can be fun if you are dressed appropriately. Wearing layers for activities like running, hiking, and cross-country skiing will allow you to regulate your body temperature by offering the ability to remove and add layers based on your comfort level. Be sure to wear a combination of moisture-wicking materials (closest to the body), insulating layers (middle layer), and an outer layer that will protect you from the wind (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Don’t forget about your extremities when gearing up to head out into the cold. Blood flow tends to concentrate in your core in cold temperatures, so remember to protect your head, hands, feet, and ears from the cold with a hat, gloves, and warm socks (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). And don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the winter months!
When it comes to exercising outdoors during the winter, there are plenty of great options! Consider keeping some of the same exercises you would normally do during warmer months in your rotation like walking, running, and even biking. Hiking during the winter can be a great way to enjoy nature, and get some fresh air. If you’re in the mood for something more seasonal, consider ice skating! DC has numerous outdoor skating rinks to enjoy this winter: Washington Harbour Ice Rink at the Georgetown Waterfront, the Wharf Ice Rink, the Canal Park Ice Rink at the Capitol Riverfront, and the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink on the National Mall. There are also several indoor ice rinks in the region if you’d prefer to skate indoors.
If you’re feeling festive, consider going for a holiday light walking or running tour around DC. Get in your steps while you enjoy Zoo Lights at the National Zoo, Enchant at Nationals Park or Georgetown Glow. You can also take a walking tour of DC area Christmas trees: the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and the Canadian Embassy Christmas Tree. Check out these walking and running routes if you want some options with specific mileage already measured.
Stay Warm with Indoor Workouts
If you’re not in the mood to brave the elements with an outdoor workout, there are plenty of options to get your body moving indoors. Head to the Lerner Health and Wellness Center to take a group fitness class, do some laps in the 3-lane lap pool, or use the cardio, strength training machines, and free weights. Lerner also has basketball, volleyball, badminton, and squash courts, a kickboxing station, and a jogging track.
If you’d rather stay in the comfort of your own home, there are still plenty of options! The internet is an amazing resource for finding free workout videos to follow, or just finding sample routines and exercises you can mix and match to suit your fitness level, goals, and interests. Explore fitness apps on your phone or tablet for even more options. Don’t have any equipment at home? No problem - there are plenty of body-weight exercise options.
Don’t let the cold weather get you down - there are plenty of options for staying active during the cold months.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (December 17, 2020). How to stay active outside when the weather gets colder. Health Essentials. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-active-outside-when-the-weather-gets-colder/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (June 29, 2019). Winter fitness: Safety tips for exercising outdoors. Mayo Clinic: Healthy Lifestyle Fitness. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20045626
