Late fall is the time of year that everyone but the most dedicated exercisers head indoors because of cooler temperatures. But you don’t have to hibernate all winter just because it’s too cold to go for a walk or jog outside. Keep up your physical activity habits with these ideas for bringing your cardio workouts indoors.
Join a gym or community rec center. If you have room in your budget, consider investing in a membership. The amount of equipment and classes is well worth the price. Many parks and recreation departments or YMCAs offer sliding scale prices to help more people have access to their facilities. Another option to check out is your local school system. Some schools have started to open up their tracks and gyms to the community after school hours. Just because a gym seems too expensive doesn’t mean there aren’t other options available. The variety of equipment and activities means you’ll likely find an enjoyable activity, making it more likely you’ll make physical activity a part of your regular routine.
Try cardio exercises at home. While it might be hard to train for a 5K in your living room, you can get in a good cardio workout at home with minimal equipment. Follow along with a workout video, such as dance aerobics or kickboxing. There are a ton of different options to choose from online or even at your local library. Even simpler, crank up your favorite upbeat music and have a dance party with your kids. You’ll be laughing and dancing so hard, It won’t even feel like exercise! And don’t forget that household chores count as physical activity, too. You’ll end up with a clean house and important health benefits.
Take up mall walking. Mall walking may bring images of little old ladies power walking on weekday mornings, but they’re onto something! Malls are large indoor areas, are open to the public, and tend to be fairly empty much of the day. If you’re walking for exercise, aim for a brisk pace, not the usual slower speed of shopping.
What’s your favorite team sport?
Join a local rec league. Team sports are a great way to be active and have fun. Most communities have adult rec leagues for a variety of sports, like basketball, volleyball, or pickleball. It’s a fun way to play a sport from your past or try a new one. The level of competition varies, so don’t be worried about the need to be an all-star. Even bowling can be a good way to move more. It’s a great way to meet new people, too.
Consider HIIT training. High-Intensity Interval Training is perfect for cardio training because of its fast pace. It’s also well suited for exercising indoors because you can mix and match bodyweight exercises that don’t need equipment. As an added bonus, HIIT workouts give you the most benefit in the shortest amount of time, making them great for busy people.
How do you stay active once cold weather hits? Share your tips with us in the comments!