​Stretch your mind and body to include yoga and exercise this winter

Article Credit: Jason Lewis
​Strongwell.org
jlewis@strongwell.org

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When the thermometer reads single digits, and the window shows nothing but wind and snow, the idea of working out can send chills down your spine, literally. The cold has a way of deterring us from fitness goals and leading us to the couch, fireplace and hot chocolate.

There are plenty of indoor and fun options for staying fit and focused in the winter.

Make a plan

As with any time of the year, an important part of maintaining a healthy routine is by planning to commit to a daily dose of exercise.

• Write down your fitness goals for the winter. This will help you stay focused and stay on track.
• Write down an exercise plan you want to follow. Even if you’re doing in home sessions, make sure to plan for it and treat it as if you’re going out to the gym.
• Put it on your calendar. Designating a certain time of day for your exercise routine will help you commit to it.
• Morning motivation. Getting out of bed seems difficult, but as the Huffington Post suggests, working out first thing can set you up for success the rest of the day. Working out in the morning will prevent you from getting side-tracked due to unforeseen or changing circumstances during the day.

Try yoga asana as an exercise at home

Changing up the routine can help you make your workouts a little more exciting and give you new feats to discover. According to Healthline, yoga asana is the easiest way to stay fit in winter. You can be any fitness level to start and it can be done at home.  Try a new yoga asana class this winter or commit to a fitness plan that can be done at home, with friends, or at the gym.

Yoga asana can be done almost anywhere, especially indoors, which means you can stay out of the cold while you work out.  There are plenty of free online classes and tutorials that can teach you the basics and get you started.

• Get moving: Simply start moving with poses you know.
• Commit with a friend: You’re more likely to stick to a routine if you have a friend to help you stick to your schedule.
• Get some new gear: Invest in a yoga mat and a fun outfit that can help you get motivated.

The Yoga Journal maintains that yoga asana can keep you healthy this winter. By implementing certain poses you can increase circulation and help your body clear out bacteria and viruses by filtering them out through the lymph nodes. A regular yoga routine can also help you stay warm and prevent aches and stiffness. 

Build your home gym ​

Taking some time and a little investment in a simple home gym can really pay off in terms of motivation. All you need is your body and a few basic tools to help. Having a specifically designated space in your home for your workouts will set you up for success. With just a few basic tools and equipment, you can ensure a full-body and effective workout, even as the snow falls outside.

• Dumbbells: You can use these for strength-training or increasing resistance or weight of body exercises.
  
• Yoga mat: Doing stretches and yoga poses on hard floors can be rough on the joints. A yoga mat will offer optimal surface for posing.
  
• Resistance bands: These are a great way to stretch out, challenge your muscles and increase mobility and flexibility. They are lightweight and portable and easily stored.
  
• Bosu Balance Trainer: Another lightweight and portable piece of equipment that can be used in combining cardiovascular training, flexibility, and muscle toning.
  
• Kettlebell: A great piece of equipment that can be used to get a full-body workout and supplement yoga or other exercises.
  

Don’t let your body down this winter. Keep it active with a creative approach to in-home training. Remember to make a plan and a commitment to yourself and your goals. Implementing exercise as a regular part of your day can bring years of well-being and health.

Photo Credit: Pixabay