Wintertime Exercise
 

I know that winter is closing in on us quickly and I'm curious if anyone switches up their routines during the winter months? I'm thinking of learning to cross country ski this winter so I can be outdoors and get a great workout! I Live in Montana so the snow part shouldnt be a problem.

Does anyone ice skate on the pond, snowshoe, or cross country ski, for exercise in the wintertime? Let us know how you keep yourself from getting bored with your routine during the colder months!

I have an outdoor 2km skating trail around the corner from my house. It's lit and has music in the evenings until 9 or 10pm. I plan to go there at least a couple of times a week when the kids are sleeping and dh can watch them. I'll take them during the day too, but then I don't get much exercise asside from holding them up.

Omg that would be so wonderful!! We have a pond here that is open for skating in the winter (the city makes sure it is safe) but usually there are so many kids there rough housing and playing hockey that I'm afraid to skate there lol. I'd probably get my teeth knocked out. I was thinking I could possible take a trip or two a month to the indoor skating rink LOL but then again its mostly teeny boppers and I'd feel wicked out of place. But I'm looking forward to cross country skiing!!

I'm lucky in that the city I live in creates outdoor rinks in many parks. Most people have them within a reasonable walk from their home. Plus a winter sport area around the corner from me that has a skating rink, the skating trail, sledding, and a groomed x-country ski trail (bike/walking/running path in summer). Plus a heated trailer to change your shoes in. I used to ski when I was a kid; maybe I'll look into getting a cheap pair of used skis and boots when there's snow on the ground. I could pull my girls in a sled while ds is at school.

I live in Ohio and, as a general rule, detest the cold. I have to admit I'm a little jealous that we don't have a skating trail!

Snuggy

Its just so difficult to exercise in the winter. I love to exercise but in the winter the weather can change all plans. I am looking for a gym now so that I can keep on with my weight loss success but even getting in the cold car is a challenge in the winter.

Skinny, during the winter, I keep my bag in the car and go straight to the club after work. I already have to get into the cold car, so it's not a deterrent.

I am working on trying to get some cross country skis in time for this winter. I used to ski all the time when I was a kid and lived out in the country and am longing to get back to it. We have a fair number of urban trails and some parks outside of the city with really good trails, I just need to convince my loved ones that skis would be a really good birthday/christmas gift.

I plan on buying skates this year, I tried it again last year after retiring at 215lbs when I was 14, but now can do it with much better confidence than before.

I plan on running all winter because I am insane (isn't Ottawa the world's coldest national capital?).

Cheers!

Ali

Ali -- You're in Ottawa, I'm in Cornwall... Do you need special winter running shoes in the winter?

I've been doing good running on the treadmill lately, but now that I've got the outside bug, I much prefer it... I guess everyone "Tole me so!" :lol:

Actually, I absolutely refuse to exercise outside during the winter. I really HATE the cold, even that "nip in the air." When it's cold outside, all I want to do is get a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa & curl up on the couch! As far as exercising, though, the main difference between summer & winter is that I do my walking on the inside (i.e., gym treadmill) rather than the outside. My routine doesn't change too much, though, since most of my exercise is always indoors (I do home video workouts).

I have been running since the summer and find I can handle the cool days okay since I built up to it kind of deal. I bought my shell jacket... I got a medium which is big on me, but due to my child bearing hips, the small was slightly snug on them.

Ilene: As far as I know, you wear the same shoes and usual socks for running (stay away from cotton kind of deal).

Cheers!

Ali

Ali -- Are there special kinds of running socks for the winter that are not cotton? I only have cotton...

Great question Lanaii. Not that I'm an expert on any of this, but yes there are different types of socks. There is a link below to an article on socks made especially for runners.

For everyone thinking about excerising outdoors in the winter-
In general, there is a whole line of clothing devoloping toward exercising in cold weather. For everyone, not just runners. The clothes pull the moisture away from your body so that you do not get chilled even though you sweat. Definitely worth the investment. I have a shirt ($50) which I wear under other layers when working in the cold. I have been known to soak my upper layer shirt and go home dry and warm because the technology works so well.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...-0-613,00.html

SJ

Ilene: I know, I only have cotton socks too (need to buy soemnon-cotton), but some that are recommended are ones with a double layer to prevent blisters... they are used all through the year. Like in the like SJ gave there they have stuff like cool max in them.

SJ: Thanks!

Cheers!

Ali

Hi Ali,

I'll see you at the Resolution Run! My running partner and I will be running the 10K. Small world.

I am a little bit worried about the cold myself. I think I have poor circulation or something but my feel and hands get cold easily! A friend of mine told me that while she was running her shoes froze. Another girl was telling me about how her water bottle froze while running.

I have a feeling that this winter is going to take a lot of motivation! I really want to run the half marathon in May... that is going to involve dedication all winter long.

Oh well I guess we'll all find out as the cold approaches.

Thank you for that site SJ and Ali, I will definitely have to get a pair, I'd really like to try to jog in the colder weather...

I haven't run in a couple of days but I intend to run tomorrow afternoon...

I've read somewhere that exercising in the colder temperatures is more beneficial, does anyone know anything about that? I can't remember where I read that!

It's a good idea to dress in layers (easy to take off and put on layers) whether or not your running, skating, snowshoeing (something else I wouldn't mind doing, it's a great workout), skiing (especially cross-country) and even tobaganning. We get some pretty big drops in and other areas (like Alberta) get huge drops in temperature.

Ilene: I was looking at the socks at the running room last night and they do have some double layer ones that are made for cooler weather. My instructor says she just uses her usual double layer socks and she's fine. I guess it depends.

Fannie: My hand are freezing right now and I am at my cubicle hehehe. I have inherited my dad's circulation which isn't great at all (and poor guy, he's diabetic now so it's even worse) All I know is that I am glad I am running now and not starting in the winter. I am debating doing either the half or the full marathon for May, depending. If I do a really slow 10K I might do another 10K clinic. We shall see, but i would love to run a marathon though and I love a challenge. BTW I live in Stittsville.

Other topic: dry skin! I have chronic eczema in my hands (which is finally improving), but I have to be soooooo careful in the winter. My doctor recommended Neutrogena norwegian formula hand cream and I find it really compliments my cortizone regime. I have heard petroleum jelly can be good for exposed skin of a very cold day. I hope this winter isn't as cold as last winter, it was brutal.

Michelle: I think people burn slightly more calories since they're wearing more clothes. Also there are factors like a lack of humidity and not hot temperatures that reduce the risks of heat stroke and dehydration . Of course in the cold people risk hypothermia and frost bite, we have to be careful too. Also getting out in the sun in the winter could probably help us lift our spirits... I get the winter blahs every year (not as bad as SAD or anything, but I do run for comfort foods) so getting some sun should rise my spirits and add some vitamin D as well.

Cheers!

Ali

I'm going to invest in some warm mittens, a touque and some thermal socks and I'm going to run all winter long. I may stay indoors when its -30 or go to the gym, but otherwise I'll be out there.

Ali - I'm going to run the 10K Resolution Run and then the half marathon in the Spring. I guess I'll see ya there!

Cheers

nice warm skinny vibes to all ~~>

This winter I plan to walk until it gets too cold to do so. Then I may join a gym. There's a Bally's close to my home. There's also a dance studio near me that teaches bellydancing, yoga and pilates so I may join a class or two.

Not to get off the subject or anything :D but my goal is to go cross country skiing next winter. What particular exercises should I be focussing on to prepare for that?

Dharma: For cross country skiing, first off all since you're just starting (congrats on that BTW, starting is the biggest and best step you can take in weight loss), walking should be fine, it will get you moving. You might also want to start some weight training to get the whole body into action and to help you retain muscle as you lose weight.

If you can, maybe go and see if there's an aquafit class near you since it works out the upper and lower body, without much stress on the joints.

If you join a gym that has an elliptical trainer with the movable arms, that would be excellent training for Cross-Country skiing. I'd also see a personal trainer if possible (they're fabbo).

A good focus right now for you is getting into a sustainable routine that will aide ya to your goals.

Anyway congrats on starting out!

Ali:)

Thanks Sweater Girl for the advice :)