The winter weather can make it hard to keep up with your normal exercise routine. You can’t go for a stroll around the neighbourhood. You can’t walk your dog or attend Tai Chi classes in the park. You’re stuck inside until the snow and ice melts.
But staying indoors doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise at all. You just have to change up your routine!
If you’re a senior, you should take a look at these four solutions for staying fit during the winter:
1. Make a Home Gym
You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. In fact, you can set up a personal gym at home.
Your apartment might not have space for large weight machines, treadmills and stationary bikes, but there are still plenty of gym essentials that won’t clutter up your living room. Here are some that you should consider for your home set-up:
- Dumbbells
- Wrist weights
- Ankle weights
- Resistance bands
- Exercise mats
- Yoga balls
Sometimes, you won’t need any gym equipment. Take a look at the best exercises to do at home without using any weights or tools.
2. Take Classes
If you have trouble getting motivated to exercise on your own, you should sign up for classes. That way, you can turn your workout into an exciting group activity.
Plus, scheduling a class will push you to commit to the workout. People are counting on you to be there. That pressure will make you less likely to bail at the last minute.
In the future, you might want to join a senior community that has lots of exercise classes available. Take a look at these retirement communities that are redefining senior living by offering a variety of exercise classes to keep you eager to get up and get moving. You can do everything from aqua aerobics to Zumba there. It’s a senior home that encourages physical fitness so that you stay energetic and healthy throughout your golden years.
Right now, you might not be able to join an in-person class, but you can sign up for online exercise classes and follow along in the comfort of your home. It’s that easy.
3. Skip the “Workout”
There will be days when you feel like skipping your exercise classes. That’s okay. You can still burn calories and get your heart rate up doing something else. Essentially, you can trick yourself into working out without doing an actual workout.
You can put on your favourite music and dance around your room. You can play with your pet. You can clean up your apartment. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to exercise.
4. Make It a Game
Another way to trick yourself into exercising is to turn your workout into a game. There are lots of fitness video games that help you get up off the couch and work up a sweat, all while having the time of your life. With this solution, you’ll find that you’re never bored with your exercise routine.
Don’t hibernate this winter! When you follow these tips, you can stay active and healthy indoors.