Ways to Stay Active This Winter
November 18, 2012
Let’s face it, staying active is not the first thing that comes to mind when there is snow on the ground or you can see your breath. The first thing most people want to do is curl up in front of a fire with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a good book. However with all the good food consumed around the holidays, staying active despite the cold is a great way to combat the gain of the “freshman (sophomore, junior, or senior) 15.” Just remember to make sure to use caution when trying any activity that is new.
Sledding
An activity for all ages, sledding is something that can be enjoyed no matter how old you are. The activity benefit is in the repeated hikes back up the hill!
http://www.celebratebig.com/pacific-northwest/hyak-sno-park-sled-hill-snoqualmie-pass-snow-sledding/index.htm
Snowboarding or Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are workouts that target all muscles from the abs down. It is less than an hour to Snoqualmie Pass recreation area or an hour and half to Stevens Pass. http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/ or http://www.stevenspass.com/
Snowshoeing
Depending on speed and the depth and packing of the snow, snowshoeing could help burn 360-860 calories an hour. Snowshoeing is a great winter time conditioning activity for runners as the movements are similar. Find some great trails at https://www.alltrails.com/?referrer=trailscom.
Cross Country Skiing
Similar in activity to snow snowshoeing, cross country skiing can be done nearly anywhere that snow has fallen. This activity can work nearly every part of the body without overstressing the joints. Cross country skiing can be as intense of a workout as you want it to be. https://www.alltrails.com/?referrer=trailscom
Ice Skating
An age old tradition, ice skating is fun to do with friends, family, or a loved one. Bellevue Downtown Park has a great outdoor skating arena during the holiday season! http://bellevue.com/happening.php?id=314
Source
Pratt, Rebecca. Hot Winter Workouts: Melt Calories Faster than the Snow. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=351