Less daylight and colder weather can keep you indoors and make it challenging to stay active through the winter months. Fortunately, there are several ways to adjust your habits that will keeping you moving until spring. Below are 6 ways to stay active indoors this winter.
6 Ways to Stay Active Indoors this Winter
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Join a mall walking group
Mall Walking has long been a favorite activity for people who wish to stay active indoors in all seasons. In addition to a controlled climate, shopping malls have smooth, walkable surfaces, water fountains, restrooms, and benches that make it ideal for indoor exercise. Many malls even open early to allow mall walkers to avoid crowds of shoppers. To find a mall walking group in your area, you can visit https://bestmallwalking.com/.
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Enroll in an at-home exercise program
Programs such as SilverSneakers offer online fitness classes that are designed for seniors. These include live instruction, on-demand workouts, and how-to videos all accessible from your home. SilverSneakers is a great resource to keep you active throughout the winter. Oftentimes, the cost of the program is covered through Medicare.
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Join an indoor recreation center
Community recreation centers such as YMCAs have great amenities for indoor fitness. From indoor swimming pools to cycling classes, these facilities offer plenty of ways to enjoy physical activity indoors. Many recreation centers also offer discounted membership rates to senior citizens.
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Turn your chore list into a workout
Doing tasks around the house is an easy way to stay physically active when cold weather keeps you indoors. For example, chores such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming all count and, as a bonus, your house will be cleaner
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Create your own exercise routine with household objects
Have you ever heard of Chair Yoga? This exercise uses modified yoga poses in a seated position with no yoga mat or blocks required. You can also make DIY weights for muscle strengthening by using detergent bottles or water bottles.
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Try mobile app exercises from Prescribe FIT
Prescribe FIT offers in-app exercises for our patients that can be done at home without any special equipment. Your Care Coordinator and fitness coach will help you build and maintain an exercise routine that fits your needs. We can even personalize your routine to the equipment you may already have, such as a treadmill or dumbbells.
Not enrolled in Prescribe FIT yet? Contact your orthopedic physician or visit https://www.prescribefit.com/patients/ to learn more.
Conclusion
There are many ways to stay active indoors when the weather gets colder. Any of the options above are a great place to get started. Feel free to be creative and come up with your own activities and exercises as well. Walking around the house during TV commercials, using the stairs more, or anything that elevates your heart rate counts!
Published on November 21, 2022
