It’s easy to want to curl up on the couch and do nothing during the cold and dark winter months in Minnesota, but prolonged inactivity can have consequences for your feet and your whole body health. We don’t want you to be inactive all winter, so we want to share some simple ways that you can become more active despite the less than ideal weather conditions in Minnesota. Below, we share 10 tips for staying active during the cold winter months.
Staying Active In The Winter
Staying active helps strengthen muscle groups, retain joint mobility, boost blood circulation and prevent weight gain, which would serve to put more stress on your feet. Find ways to stay active this winter, and if you’re struggling to develop an enjoyable activity routine, keep these tips in mind.
1. Partake In Seasonal Activities – Winter in Minnesota brings with it some unique opportunities. Go ice skating on one of the many lakes, or simply walk a nature trail and take in some beautiful winter scenes.
2. Join A Gym – If you’re looking for an indoor area where you can work out or shoot hoops, join a local gym or rec center. Get in now before all the new people join in January when everyone starts New Year’s resolutions.
3. Create Your Own Exercise Space – Turn your basement or your spare bedroom into a workout space where you can do some exercises or partake in a morning yoga routine!
4. Swim – Swimming in a warm pool can be enjoyable and good for your body, so consider doing some lap swimming a couple times a week at the local aquatic center.
5. Walk – Bundle up and go for a walk around the neighborhood. Check out some holiday light displays or grab a friend and unwind with a walk around the block.
6. Look For Little Ways To Walk More – If you live a busy life, look for little ways to add more steps to your day. Park farther away at the grocery store, or take the stairs up to your office. All of those extra steps will add up at the end of the day.
7. Plan Ahead – It’s easier to plan for activities if you pay attention to the weather in the coming days. Check the forecast regularly so that you can know whether it’s easier to pursue indoor or outdoor activities ahead of time.
8. Check Off Some Chores – Why not kill two birds with one stone and clean the house a bit as your daily activity? Clear out the garage, vacuum the whole house or bust out the mop and clean the floors. Be active while you’re getting housework done.
9. Join A Class – If you’re someone who enjoys activity more when its done with others, consider joining a fitness class to stay active. Yoga, Zumba, martial arts and cycling classes can be a great way to stay active and have fun learning a new hobby with others.
10. Mental Exercises – Finally, we’ve talked about the importance of caring for your mental health on this blog in the past, so don’t just challenge your physical health this winter. Find new ways to challenge your mind, and you may see that it’s easier to stay motivated to exercise when you’re in a good mental place. Read a new book, do a crossword puzzle or simply have a phone date with a friend to catch up. Care for your mental health this winter too.
For additional help, or to talk to a specialist about a new or existing foot issue that you’re dealing with, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (952) 224-8500.
