Many people experience a reduced sense of motivation to exercise in the winter months, especially in areas where winters are very cold and snowy. While it can be difficult to leave the comfort and warmth of your home, keeping fit is important year round not only for your physical health but for your mental well-being as well. Exercise generally makes us feel better by releasing brain chemicals like endorphins and norepinephrine, and keeping off the pounds makes us feel better about our bodies.
Here are some tips for keeping active in the winter, regardless of where you live.
Exercise indoors– As so many of the exercise gurus on television infomercials have proven, using the weight of your own body for resistance is an excellent form of exercise. There are hundreds of inexpensive workout DVDs on the market, featuring everything from aerobics to yoga to tai chi and weight lifting. If you’re on a tight budget you find plenty of exercise routines on YouTube as well.
Go to the gym– Gym memberships typically come with plenty of benefits that can include access to workout machines and equipment, access to exercise classes, and, in some gyms, access to racquetball courts, swimming pools and even hot tubs. Many gym memberships are available for as little as $20 per month on a month-to-month basis. The bonus: it’s warm inside, year-round!
Keep warm outside– If you decide to exercise outside, keep yourself warm with a hat, gloves and scarf to prevent getting too cold (and ending your routine prematurely). Be sure to protect your ears, nose, fingers and toes to prevent frostbite. Wear layers so you can take clothes off as you generate heat, and make sure to use a synthetic material for your first layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Make sure you stay hydrated, which is just as important in the winter to prevent fatigue and other problems.
There are plenty of low and no-cost ways to stay fit all year-round, but in addition to keeping fit it’s important to have regular check-ups and physicals with your doctor. The reality is that those without health insurance are less likely to have the preventive check-ups that are so important to overall health. Benefit Packages has been helping individuals find affordable health insurance with reputable carriers like Anthem Blue Cross for over two decades. Visit the Benefit Packages website for a quote today.