How To Keep Fit Outdoors During The Cooler Months –

Chances are when you think of Autumn and Winter, exercise and outdoor activities don’t immediately come to mind. If you’re like most of us, you probably prefer spending your evenings curled up on a couch with a hot bowl of food when the temperature outside starts to dip. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in a little comfort, it can also be a little too easy to get carried away and completely neglect physical activity during the cooler seasons of the year. 

Aside from keeping you fit and healthy, outdoor activities and exercise are also fantastic ways to help you disconnect from technology and keep the winter blues at bay. Today, we’ll have a look at 6 ways in which you can keep fit outdoors during the cooler months, so grab your favourite pair of trainers and read on to find out more!

1. Think Out Of The Box

Exercising outdoors doesn’t have to be just about running or jogging. When the weather seems a little blue, why not think out of the box by finding a new outdoor activity that you can enjoy in the company of friends and loved ones. Some popular outdoor sports include basketball, netball, swimming (if you have access to an indoor heated pool) and cycling. If you have kids, another great option would be to purchase some roller skates and explore your local parks for some fun cardiovascular activity that feels more like play than work! 

1. Get The Right Gear

Without adequate clothing or activewear that is designed for cooler temperatures, finding the motivation to head outside can be incredibly tough. This is why it is so important that you get the right gear. Choosing clothing that fits you well and preferably layer up in order to ensure you’re keeping warm. An added benefit of layering up is the fact that you will be able to remove layers when you’re well into your workout and your body temperature starts increasing. This will help keep you feeling comfortable before, during and after your activities without worrying about feeling too hot or cold at various times. 

1. Join A Dance Class

If you’re not the biggest fan of running on footpaths, then perhaps you’d be more interested in something such as a dance class. Here’s a little secret — did you know that the average person will burn 300-800 calories per hour dancing? That’s almost double the amount of energy burnt from jogging on a treadmill for one hour! Dance classes are a great way to get your heart pumping whilst learning new skills, meeting new people and having an enjoyable time that just happens to also count as exercise! 

1. Go On A Hike

While you may not be able to go on a hike 3 times a week, incorporating a few different hikes over the pace of the cooler months is a great and engaging way to not just exercise but to also explore new terrains and make memories with friends and family. A good long hike is a great way to get in some cardiovascular activity, especially in cold weather. Do take note that you’ll want to ensure you pack enough water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout your hike in order to prevent dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. You could even make a camping trip out of it and set up a tent under the stars for a night that you’re sure to never forget. 

1. Rake Those Leaves

For those who prefer staying in close proximity to the home, raking leaves can actually be a pretty exhausting task, especially in the Autumn months where there is no shortage of crisp, amber hued leaflets on the ground. Granted, raking leaves may not be the most exciting or invigorating workout, but at least you’ll know that you’ve burnt between 250 and 400 calories each session and even more if you have a large front lawn/backyard. You’ll also be happy to know that raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to a brisk walk, and is a fantastic way to build upper-body strength, core strength, and back strength. Who would have thought! 

1. Walk Your Dog

Last but not least and probably the most obvious one of them all — walk your dog. If you usually take your dog out for a walk once a day, we challenge you to ramp that up and work towards 2-3 walks a day. This may sound like a lot, but we’re pretty sure walking man’s best friend is a lot more appealing than running in the freezing cold. Depending on your pace and the temperament of your furry friend, the average person can burn up to 200 calories an hour when dog walking. There are certainly worse ways of getting a workout in!

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By getting creative and thinking out of the box, keeping fit outdoors in the cooler months can prove to be an incredibly fun and exciting adventure for all involved. We hope that this article has inspired you to take up a new outdoor activity this Autumn and Winter….your body and mind will thank you!