Sep 28, 2022

Health and Wellness

Keeping a consistent exercise routine is a must for good health.  This is often easier for most people in the warm, sunny summer months. Unfortunately, it becomes more difficult to keep up with when the weather changes and daylight hours are reduced, especially if you prefer to exercise outside.

Don’t let all your hard work and progress over the summer end now! Follow the tips below to help you keep on track this season:

1. Keep Your Routine. Even if you change your physical activity, try not to change the time you work out. Finding a time for your exercise that fits your schedule is half the battle. If you got up early all summer to do your exercise routine, try to avoid rearranging your schedule for the winter unless you are sure you can commit to a later time. Life often gets in the way of exercise and prevents it from happening; blocking off the same time frame each day will make it easier to stay consistent.
2. Join a Gym (or Build Your Own). If you enjoy walking, hiking, biking, or running but don’t want to brave the elements, consider a gym membership to allow you to keep you with those activities during the winter. Most towns have gyms with basic equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, or ellipticals. Purchasing your own equipment is also a great idea as long as you are committed to using it. If you are uncertain about your willpower and want to avoid turning your new equipment into a clothes hanger, consider buying a used one first (try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for local pickup) and monitor your use to determine if a new one is warranted.
3. Work Out with Friends. You will be much more accountable to keep up with your routine if you know a friend is meeting you for a workout. Even if you like to do different things at the gym, try to schedule a time to meet your friend there to do your workouts, and then grab a smoothie afterward. Just make sure you have someone to answer to if you miss a day.
4. There Is No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Just Bad Gear”. If you are the type of person that doesn’t let winter stop you from getting outside, more power to you! Winter workouts can be no sweat as long as you have the right gear to keep you warm, dry, and safe. When exercising in cold weather, you will want to wear a base layer made of a wicking material (rather than cotton which holds moisture and keeps you cold) with at least one top layer, long tights, a hat, mittens, and wicking soaks. For a complete guide on the best winter running gear and what to wear in various temperatures, check out this guide from “The Mother Runners Watch Us Fly”. If surfaces are icy, slow down and consider wearing YakTrax or a similar product over your shoes to improve your traction. For additional safety, remember to wear headlamp and reflective clothes and avoid going alone when running in the dark.
5. Talk to an Expert. If you want to exercise but are not sure where to start or feel like you are not making progress with your current routine, consider having an expert help you. Fitness professionals can ensure your routine is safe and tailored to your needs so you can maximize the benefits from all of your hard work. For those of us who do not want to work out in a traditional gym atmosphere, enrolling in a Wellness Program at a Main Street Therapy Partners clinic can be an excellent solution. Our experienced Physical Therapists will design an individualized fitness program and answer any questions you may have.

We are here to keep you moving through the upcoming winter months!