Winter weather can often get the best of us. In this article, learn why it’s so hard to stay active in the winter season, some tips for you to get moving, and some fun (yet heart-pumping) activities that you can try. Get through the colder months and keep your fitness momentum going!

Table of Contests 

• Why is it hard to exercise in winter? 
• Why is it important to stay active in the winter?
• How can I be more active in the winter?
• What are the winter physical activities that you can do?
• What are the things to keep in mind when working out in the winter?
• Conclusion

Why is it hard to exercise in winter?

A study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found a correlation between vitamin D levels and the heart and lungs’ ability to supply oxygen to the muscles when exercising (cardiorespiratory fitness).

Since sunlight, our number one source of vitamin D, is scarce in the winter, it, in turn, affects our fitness levels. The researchers found that the participants with high vitamin D levels had better cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the participants in the low category. 

Dr. Amr Marawan, one of the authors of the study says, “Our study shows that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better exercise capacity.”

Why is it important to stay active in the winter?

Aside from maintaining the momentum of an active lifestyle, exercising in the winter gives us manyadvantages. Here are some of the benefits of working out in the winter:

• Avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Since you’re exposed to sunlight when working out outside even in the winter, it helps ward off SAD (which is a type of depression that people experience in the winter).

• Burn more calories. Several studies found that when exercising in cold weather, white fat can transform into calorie-burning brown fat.

• Improve endurance. According to Dr. Adam Tenforde, an assistant professor of sports medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard in colder temperatures. “You sweat less, and expend less energy, all of which means you can exercise more efficiently."

How can I be more active in the winter? 

Here are some things that you can try to keep your active lifestyle during the winter season:

• Find a fun activity. The winter season brings many new and fun outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, skating, and much more. Get out and explore new activities!

• Take advantage of all the times the sun shines. Try to go out and be active while the sun is out. Not every winter day is going to be dark and gloomy. Even if it is cold, bundle up and exercise outdoors, you will be surprised at how awake and alive you will feel playing outdoors in the sun.

• Try yoga. Yoga is great for getting your blood flowing and will greatly help with boosting your mood. In addition, you will stretch out all your sore spots which will leave you feeling fresh, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

• Start your own home gym. Getting to the gym while fighting the cold outside can feel like a hassle and a chore. Watch and follow a workout DVD, or maybe invest in a treadmill or elliptical. You can even download free workout guides from the web!

• Change your state of mind. Even if you have never been the greatest fan of the winter season, stay focused on the things you do love about it – maybe it is the snow, or the holidays themselves.

What are the winter physical activities that you can do?

The wintertime doesn’t have to mean spending much of your time indoors. Here are some fun activities that you can do that make the most of the snowy winter weather:

• Jogging. Jogging is very effective at burning off calories, and it's how many people start their exercise routines. You can do this activity in the comfort of your local area, or if the weather is permitting; take it outside! 

• Cross country skiing. A lot like ice skating, cross country skiing is great exercise and will help lose those extra winter pounds. While this physical activity is very similar to ice skating, it's different because you are doing a lot of upper body work with poles that are used for balance.

• Ice skating. Ice skating is a ton of fun, but it's also an excellent workout! Not only are you burning tons of calories, but the resistance associated with skating makes this activity very effective at building muscle.

• Sledding. Now, this activity has been around for a while, but how many of you still go sledding? It's such great fun, plus it helps you burn off some extra calories before the big meal on Thanksgiving! 

What are the things to keep in mind when working out in the winter?

• Dress in layers. This is good for both warmth and flexibility. You can always peel layers off as your body heat goes up, and put them back on when you cool down. Learn more about your winter gear essentialshere.

However, to start you off, here are some of the absolute must-haves: 

• Glove liners. Make sure that your hands stay toasty as you wear glove liners under your gloves. Glove liners allow you the option to take off your outer gloves without necessarily exposing your hands to the icy cold. Make sure that you choose the best one by reading thisguide.

• Balaclava. Protecting your entire face for those intense winter ventures is just as important! That’s why balaclavas should be a must in your travel bag if you’re heading to a winter haven. Ensure that you get ahigh-quality yet versatile balaclava to get the protection you need from theGearTOP Amazon shop!

• Stay hydrated. Remember to carry some water with you if you will be exercising more than an hour continuously – even this small effort demands some hydration! And always remember to bring water for your cool-down session, as muscles tend to warm up quicker than the rest of your body.

• Be wary of the signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a decrease in body temperature below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions. Although hypothermia usually occurs when it's very cold outside, milder temperatures are enough to cause this condition as well.