What's your winter time workout routine?

I'm in SoCal.... ...so it's still pretty warm all year round, but it does get cooler. For one thing, I am no longer swimming at the outdoor pool...but that also has a lot to do with the fact that they offer less short lap time in the "fall" than they do in the summer. Also, when I surf in the winter I need to wear a thicker wetsuit and sometimes gloves and booties too. That's because the arctic ocean water travels down to the SoCal shore in the winter...brrr...it's chilly!

Needed a change. I was going to post something about this. I don't know what I can do for the winter as a workout. I hardly did anything in the summer. I was thinking about snowboarding as much as possible, that would be good. I'm not sure what else I could do, it gets very snowy and cold out here.

Working out early. In general, I find myself working out in the evenings after work during the spring and summer, because it's light enough so that I don't find myself feeling tired or unmotivated. Now that it has started to get dark around 5:30 or so, however, I prefer to work out in the mornings because that gives me a greatly needed energy boost--what can I say? The colder months make me lazy! :)

Hot Yoga. A few years ago I did 30 days straight of hot yoga. This is a series of postures in a super hot room. It definitely helped get me through the winter!

Bundle up and Take a walk!. It is important to bundle up and get fresh air in the winter. It is never too cold to get outside and enjoy nature. One of the best quotes for people who live in cold climates is "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes". A walk on a cold, crisp day can be revitalizing.

Brrrrrrr. LOL, Sheryl W., it IS too cold if it's so cold your nostril hairs are even frozen! I hate the cold weather, so I prefer indoor activities when Jack Frost is literally nipping at my nose. However, my workouts are done indoors year 'round, as I do yoga and kickboxing, so that's no problem (it would be refreshing to do an outdoor yoga session though.) I add walking to that when I can, but I have trouble getting the motivation to go outside unless it's warm out. I'd love to try that hot yoga in the middle of winter; it sounds delightful! I have a little trouble finding ANY yoga class in my area so finding hot yoga will be a stretch. *pouts*

Shorter dog walks!. I may get the same amount of exercise, but the dog suffers. It't not worth walking outside when the wind gives you an earache! I stick to the ellyptical and yoga. However, I'm looking into joining a family club that offers activities and classes for kids, not just childcare. That's IF I can find one!

Work out at Lunch. In the winter when it is too dark out after work to workout, I will try to find the time at lunch to go for a walk, run, or get some sort of physical activity in.

Indoor gym!. I love joining a gym in the winter with an indoor pool and indoor hot tub. I get that loungy feeling of summer without frying in the sun. It gives me something to look forward to, so I don't feel deprived when the cold weather comes. I just joined a gym recently, but I haven't gone yet because I am nursing a bad sore throat.

Northern California has a Team in Training cross-country ski team. Like all TNT teams, we fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to cure cancer. Our goal events this year are xc-ski marathons in Soda Springs, Calif, and Anchorage, Alaska. I've done four (25K, 35K, 50K striding and 25K skate-skiing) and am training for a 40K skate-skiing event this year. Never before was I a fan of winter, but now I look forward to winter starting in June or July! (Send me a message if you want more info about joining next year's team. No obligation. I'll just let you know when it comes around and you can make your decision then.) --Ron L

Yes, those outdoor advantages tend to decrease during the winter season. I live in the Midwest, so I can appreciate what you're saying. Incorporating more 'indoor' workouts is one alternative to help workouts change with the season. Portable devices such as resistance bands, medicine balls, stability balls and weights can do wonders to bring life to the indoors when the weather is inclement and the sky is dark.

I've switched to going to the gym while it's cold and rainy. Normally I prefer being outside, running or walking, but I've learned that I can very easily talk myself out of getting outside when it's cold or wet. It feels good to be doing something different, though, and I'm really enjoying working with weights and doing step aerobics because I haven't done those things in a long time!

Hi MaryAnn,

You are so right in stating how the change in season affects your workout routine. I live in the Midwest, and concur with you 100%. My personal routine has more of an 'indoor' flair. My basement has a bike and free weights. Putting a TV/VCR and painting the walls vibrant colors has helped me get motivated to enter the otherwise 'dungeon' of the lower level to workout. The fitness center where I work has awesome classes, which I take greater advantage of this time of year. They also have member motivation programs, which I get involved with to help me stay on task until Spring/Summer arrives.

If you have a bike, one great way to get your winter workout is to get a 'Bicycle Trainer' (I have this one...http://www.cycleops.com/p-309-fluid.aspx) that turns your ordinary bike into a stationary bike so you can ride indoors! It's a great way to get a workout in the comfort of your own home (you can even ride while watching TV)...

I so prefer working out in warm weather and when there's more sunshine. But I feel great when I keep it up during the cold/dark winter too -- it's worth the extra push, but working out with a trainer, taking classes, and meeting a friend for work-outs is more important to keep me incentivized when it's cold.

My Ashtanga yoga practice is the perfect winter work out. They put big heaters in there, so we are all dripping in sweat. I live in a cold climate, and it is essential for me to feel really hot 4 times per week, I just feel more balanced and alive rather than in constant hibernation mode.