Stay active, stay still
A new year has begun! Here’s hoping that it brings promise, enthusiasm and new resolve into your life. If you are like many of our friends and neighbors, the resolution at the top of the list might be to increase (or just begin) physical activity. After a two-month frenzy of cozying up on the couch with holiday goodies, many of us feel the urge to get things into gear. However, the New Year feeling and that newfound desire to exercise more must also grapple with, for many of us, bitterly cold weather and shorter days.
Just throwing in the towel – and throwing on an extra-large sweater- until spring isn’t the answer. When we find reasonable and realistic ways to move our body in the winter, we ensure a healthier winter weight, restful sleep, and better digestion of the heavier meals of the season. We also keep the blood flowing, which means a warmer body. Better still, exercise releases endorphins which lifts the mood and combats the “winter blues” that so many of us struggle with at this time of year.
If you do decide to keep your workout indoors, now is a great time to join the gym. Many fitness centers offer “New Years” special rates. Treat yourself to a couple new exercise outfits that you can feel good in. If you feel intimidated by the machines, ask to make an appointment with a personal trainer; most gyms offer the initial meeting for free. Try to find a gym that is near your home or office so that is easier to get over there. You can also up your chances of stopping by regularly if you make a pact with a friend, family member or co-worker to become gym buddies. Knowing ahead of time that you have a “work-out date,” and the support and encouragement that a treadmill partner brings, can make all the difference in the world. If you’d like the structure and variety of a fitness class, check out what your gym has to offer, and keep a calendar of classes on your fridge.
Another great way to exercise whenever you have the time is by investing in a couple of fun fitness DVDs. This isn’t your mother’s Richards Simmons tape- these days you can find anything from yoga to hip-hop to belly-dancing. All you need is some empty floor space, your TV and perhaps some good window shades. Invite a couple friends over and make it a party!
If your body is craving the warmth of summer, hopping a flight to Tahiti isn’t the only answer. You might want to try Bikram yoga, which is comprised of 26 yoga postures done in a room heated to approximately 100 degrees. The class offers a hot change to the typical January temperature as well as the physical and emotional purification benefits of a nice, long sweat. You may even be happy to return to cool weather after a class! Make sure you drink plenty of plenty of water as well as coconut water for quick hydration and replacement of electrolytes.
If you find yourself craving some fresh air, there are still ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter. If you live near heavy snowfall, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are all options. Don’t discount the fun and calorie-burning potential of a snowman-making contest or simply a good walk to admire the falling snow-flakes or holiday decorations. Hands and feet can feel dreadfully cold in the winter. This is because our blood rushes to the center of the body to keep our organs warm. Make sure to insulate your body with plenty of warm layers, a good pair of gloves and sensible shoes.
We should remember that while it is wonderful to stay active in the winter, it is equally important to honor your body’s different needs in the colder seasons. Winter is still a time to rest and be mindful- as demonstrated by the pattern of animals hibernating for winter after a bustling summer and fall. People who find themselves more susceptible to illness often don’t take the time to truly rest the body. You might try eating heartier and warming foods- different spices, organic meat, beans, and root vegetables are all perfect for this time of year. Experiment with herbal teas to warm up. And while some of us may be anxious to lose a few holiday-induced pounds, don’t be hard on yourself if you find your weight to be a little heavier than usual –the body naturally responds to lower temperatures by trying to maintain a little more body fat as insulation. Eliminating alcohol and drugs will allow your body to use this time to rest and repair to its fullest capacity. You may find yourself more drawn to meditation, reading or writing in a journal. However the season calls to you, go with it.
