Staying Fit in Cooler Weather

As I sit here staring out the window, it is 27 degrees Celsius on an unusually warm fall day.  I am looking forward to getting out for a quick bike ride once my last client has headed home.  However, I am also looking at red leaves and shorter days and know that it is going to get colder soon.   How will I keep up my fitness goals?  What options do I have? How do I stay fit in the winter months?

1. Bundle up!    Although it may not tempt you to enjoy a morning stroll when it is -20 Celsius in January, buying warm and wicking layers can extend your enjoyment of autumn a little longer.   This will allow you to enjoy everything that Canada has to offer from a walk through the autumn leaves, and eventually an outdoor skate in a local park.
   
2. Join a club.   Studies show us that those who exercise with a friend or a group are more likely to achieve their goals and complete their exercise session.  For some joining a gym can be expensive and intimidating, however look to your local community center or recreational programming to find something that interests you and others with the same level of fitness. Private clubs are also available for many sports.
   
3. Try something new.  Whether inside or out be adventurous enough to try something new to you.  If you are someone that skis, why not try an afternoon on a snowboard or ski skates?   If you are more of a warmth seeker, there is always indoor rock climbing or even adult learn to skate lessons. 
   
4. Go Surfing – the net that is.   There are many alternatives to workout videos that you can do today.  You can even join a virtual gym so that you can see others are up and as dedicated as you are.
   
5. Make exercise fun.  Turn exercise into a social outing.  On rainy fall days check out a local bowling alley or laser tag location.   Once the snow falls, nothing beats an hour or two tobogganing.
   
   

Being outside and active may be easier in the warm summer months, but all it takes is a little creativity to keep moving through out the year.

Tricia Hayton