Winter can be a tough slog! Just the simple act of leaving your oh so warm bed can be oh so hard - and getting (and staying) fit is even more challenging when it is near freezing outside.
The first thing to know is that letting your fitness slip can impact your immune system - so you could be more liable to catch the flu or any other gremlins that happen to be doing the rounds. If you get out there and move, you will get all the disease fighting cells moving around your body - they are more likely to encounter and fight the bad guys if you are active. You also reduce the chance of harmful inflammation - a defense system our bodies use to protect against infection, but is also caused by disease and infection - if you are active. Periods of inactivity have also shown to impact your mood, which can make the winter blues worse, escalate blood pressure, and lead to weight gain.
Best winter activities and exercises
If outdoors is too cold or dark - or both - then the logical thing to do is to focus on indoor activities. Besides the gym, you could also try squash, soccer, badminton or basketball. There are also other more controlled ways of being active, like aqua aerobics, yoga, pilates and tai chi. The Chinese martial art of tai chi can be done at any age, and uses a series of flowing movements and a focus on breathing to improve strength, balance and preserve muscle condition. You could also try something totally different like an indoor climbing wall, which is a great total body workout - particularly for your joint mobility, flexibility and strength.
How to get started?
Getting started with an exercise or fitness routine is half the challenge - the other half is sticking with it! Start with baby steps - and not setting unrealistic goals - by incorporating small changes into your current routine. This could be an activity as simple as walking a few times a week. You can then build from there and slowly increase your goals as your fitness improves. You do need to set challenges and avoid getting complacent - otherwise you won’t reap the benefits. If you struggle to motivate yourself to exercise, then buddy up with friends, family or colleagues. This makes it more difficult to skip your scheduled activity. You can also join a group or sign up with a personal trainer to help you stick to a fitness plan.
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Why exercise?
And if you need reminding why exercising maters, the benefits of exercise and regular physical activity, include:
- Improving your mood
- Helping with weight control
- Protecting your joints
- Improving your balance
- Strengthening your bones
- Preventing memory loss
Ideally try to mix up your exercise routine, by doing different activities that have distinct benefits for your body and immune system. The important thing is to start and keep it up. It could be the most powerful and effective step you take toward keeping yourself healthy and positive.
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With our range of non-alcoholic wines you can still enjoy a glass, or more, and wake up the next day feeling 100% - so you can get up, out and active first thing. All our varietals are available online, or check availability at your local stockist. Selected products are available in the beverage aisle at these retailers:
