By: Ashley Callaway
As the winter season unfolds, many people may find it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. The colder temperatures and shorter days can make the idea of exercise seem less appealing. However, staying active during the winter is crucial for our overall well-being and happiness.
One great thing about 2024 is that technology keeps getting better and better. The evolution of technology has allowed us to do activities from home that we were not able to do 10 or even 20 years ago. A great example of today’s technology is online workout classes. During the winter months, it can be difficult to attend an in-person workout class. However, thanks to technology, we do not need to leave our homes. We could find a specific type of workout online on YouTube, such as dance, yoga, pilates,
conditioning, etc. The videos online can also be tailored to your choice of level of difficulty, whether it is easy, medium, hard, or advanced. There is something for everyone.
Another great way to get some exercise this winter is to try a winter fitness challenge. There are so many to choose from, or you could even make your own. Challenge yourself to get better at a specific exercise or health habit. One popular challenge is called the 75 Soft Challenge. The 75 Soft Challenge is a great way to change your life and promote healthy habits to become an overall lifestyle. The challenge lasts for 75 days with no breaks or cheat days. The rules are as follows:
- Follow a diet
- No alcohol or cheat meals
- Drink 1 gallon of water a day
- 1 – 45-minute workout a day
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book
- Take a progress photo every day
If a 75-day challenge is not for you, you can try various other exercises to reach your fitness goals this winter. A few other exercise ideas to try are bicep curls, stretching, resistance bands, and hand cyclin, which promote cardiovascular health. Or, you could try cold plunges, which improve circulation, stimulate blood flow, and enhance overall mood and well-being by releasing endorphins to decrease stress.
Staying active during the winter is a rewarding endeavor that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level. Winter wellness is enhanced through inclusivity, fostering a sense of community and well-being for all. So, let’s embark on this winter journey together, celebrating the joy of movement and the beauty of staying active in every season.
