Winter Workouts Guide (Don’t Let Winter Stop You!)

Coming up Next: Your Guide to Winter Workouts!

Here in California, we’re super fortunate to have good weather almost year-round. It leaves the door open to maintain the same exercise routine (if we want) and enjoy our favorite outdoor activities without interruption — most of the time. 

If you live in a colder climate, you’re going to have to make some adjustments to ensure you’re still getting movement in on all those snow days. It’s easy to sweep exercise aside when you’re constantly wearing heavy, bulky clothes — and everything seems to take sooooooo much longer!  “Who has the time to workout? I’ll just wait until it’s warmer.”

But it’s totally doable! 

In fact, there are some great activities you can only enjoy this time of year. So when the snowflakes start falling, step away from the fuzzy blanket and Netflix.

I’ve got your guide to winter workouts right here! 

Snowboarding or Skiing

This is my personal favorite Winter activity. I love to start the year off up in the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and working up a sweat. It’s physically and mentally challenging, and it’s a great group activity. And according to Forbes, it may even make you a stronger, more confident leader. 

If you’ve never hit the slopes before, or don’t have any of the equipment, don’t worry. You can rent everything you need at the Summit and even register for lessons. I absolutely recommend reserving ahead though, because nothing is more disappointing than arriving to find everything is sold out — and it’s usually much less expensive when you reserve in advance. 

And if downhill skiing or snowboarding is a bit of a stretch, perhaps cross country skiing is your thing. It’s an amazing workout that can take you into beautiful backcountry areas and doesn’t require downhill expertise. 

Hiking 

As you know, Mother Nature does not take a winter holiday. The lush, vibrant beauty that you experience outdoors during the spring and summer transforms in the wintertime into hidden pockets of peaceful rejuvenation and majestic views. You get to see a calmer side of nature that many people miss, and the new terrain can provide physical challenges to stimulate your mind and endurance. 

Bonus, there aren’t as many mosquitos and creepy crawlers to contend with on the trail either. 😉

Check out this National Park Guide to Hiking in the Winter, which includes a gear checklist and the 411 on all the parks with the most outstanding trails for winter hiking. And here’s a great resource for prep from REI to make sure you’re all bundled up and safe out there.

PRO TIP: Winter air is drier than you think, and can sap the moisture out of your body. Be sure to stay hydrated on the go! I always carry a CamelBak, which makes hands free sipping much easier.

Indoor Rowing

Rowing may not seem like it, but it’s a full-body sport. You can give both your upper and lower body an intense workout in a very short period of time. Plus, you’ll look so regal gliding on an erg (ergometer, AKA an indoor rowing machine). 

Indoor rowing clubs are popping up all over the U.S. and classes are similar to spin classes, with lower lighting, music and a trainer to motivate you. Plus, they often include weight and resistance training as well, to mix it up.  Orange Theory is a great example of this.

To find a club nearby, try Googling “indoor rowing near me”. Or you can check out your local gym (they usually have at least one erg — ergometer, AKA an indoor rowing machine) and give a DIY workout a shot. 

At-Home Exercise

Okay, I know I told you to move away from the couch… but we’ll only need the space around it for this next option. Just like when you’re traveling, you’ve got plenty of options in this digital age for workouts inside the warmth and comfort of your own home. 

It’s just a matter of finding the streaming platform that’s right for you. You can find everything from yoga, pilates, and stretching classes to cardio workouts and weightlifting, all on your phone or computer, and most have free trials to test them out before putting down a lot of cash. 

Click here to check out a few of my favorites, plus various bodyweight exercises you can easily do in your living room without any equipment necessary or a ton of time. 

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How do you get a workout in during the winter? I want to hear all about it in the comments below! 

LOVE + warm thoughts!