Let's face it: finding the motivation to exercise in the winter is tough. Colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours can quickly sap the will to do more than curl up with a good book.

 

But don't give in. Exercise is just as important in the winter as in other seasons, even if the weather makes it slightly more challenging.

 

"There really aren't good reasons not to exercise in the winter," said Susanne Koch, worksite wellness coordinator for the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). "Perhaps the best way to get yourself out there is to grab a coworker, a friend or your dog. They will thank you for it."

 

Luckily, there are many great ways to stay fit and stay warm, too. Perhaps the most obvious way to get your winter workouts in is to join a gym. With treadmills, weight machines, exercise classes and maybe even an indoor pool, gyms offer a variety of ways to work up a sweat no matter the time of day or the temperature outside. And many gyms offer special membership rates early in the year to attract people with New Year's resolutions still on their minds.

 

If a gym membership isn't in your budget, you can still keep your workouts out of the weather with inexpensive exercise equipment, like hand-held weights, a jump rope or an exercise ball. Exercise DVDs can guide you through many different workout routines, from pushups and crunches to pilates and yoga. Even some video games, like Dance Dance Revolution, offer players the chance to work up quite a sweat. Keep things even more economical by splitting the cost of exercise equipment with a friend and sharing.

 

Don't forget about opportunities to work out at work. Climbing the stairs during the lunch hour or taking an afternoon walk with coworkers will help you burn calories and can be a refreshing break from a busy day. DPH offers free group exercise classes nearly every day at 2 Peachtree.

 

Of course, exercising outdoors is still an option, especially in the relatively mild Georgia winter. Koch said people who want to be active outdoors shouldn't be afraid of the cold.

 

"Metabolic heat production (energy given off as heat by the body during movement) along with warm, layered clothing does an excellent job of protecting the body during exercise in colder weather for shorter periods of exercise," she said.

 

Make sure the layer of clothing closest to your skin wicks away moisture to keep you from getting wet and chilled. The outer layer should be both wind and water resistant. If you are out after dark, you should also wear reflective material.

 

Colder temperatures can make the muscles tight and more prone to injury. To keep the body safe, the group American Fitness Professionals and Associates recommends stretching before and after an exercise routine. The group also reminds exercisers to drink plenty of water after a winter workout, even though it may not make you as thirsty or sweaty as in the summer.

 

If all alse fails, whether exercising indoors or braving the cold outside, remember that it won't be long until the summer heat has Georgians longing for cool, brisk workout weather!

 

-Story by Carrie Gann, DPH Communications